Shaheen Malik: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Acid Violence

Wed Feb 11 2026 15:38:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor, champions the rights of victims across India. With her foundation, she's advocating for legal reforms and support for those affected by such heinous acts.

Shaheen Malik, who has undergone 25 surgeries since an acid attack in 2009, fights tirelessly for justice for herself and fellow survivors, pushing for legislative changes to aid acid attack victims in India. Her foundation provides refuge and support to those ostracized by society. Despite numerous challenges, including legal setbacks and societal stigma, Malik remains determined to ensure that all survivors receive the recognition and aid they deserve.

Warning: This story contains distressing details

Shaheen Malik, an acid-attack survivor and disability rights activist in India, is fighting an uphill legal and social battle to secure justice and rehabilitation for others like her - and says she will not give up despite the odds.

In 2009, Shaheen was attacked with acid outside her workplace, resulting in a long and painful journey of recovery. Since then, she has undergone 25 surgeries and lost vision in her left eye.

Despite her own struggles, Malik has turned her focus towards helping others. In 2021, she co-founded the Brave Souls Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal and economic assistance to acid attack survivors. The foundation serves as a shelter for those who have been marginalized by society, offering care and support.

Many survivors still face significant challenges, including difficulties in accessing affordable medical care. Malik highlights how private and public hospitals often delay treatment for these survivors, despite legal mandates requiring free healthcare for them. Her foundation is currently assisting other survivors, such as Ruman, who struggles with severe health issues after being forced to ingest acid by her husband.

Malik's advocacy extends to addressing legal inadequacies. Currently, India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act only recognizes survivors with visible disfigurements, leaving many like Ruman without the benefits they need. Shaheen has petitioned the Supreme Court to amend this law to include internal injuries.

Despite facing obstacles including a recent legal setback where her perpetrators were acquitted, Shaheen remains resolute. I want my case to be an example of justice served, that perpetrators won't walk free, she asserts.

The criminal justice system’s low conviction rates for acid attack cases reflect a systemic issue, with many cases taking years to resolve. As challenges mount, Malik continues to push for necessary reforms in the legal and healthcare systems to ensure no survivor is left behind.

While the fight is far from over, Shaheen Malik stands firm in her resolve to create a better future for acid attack survivors. Her story is one of resilience and hope, showing that even in the darkest times, the fight for justice and dignity persists.