How Did Shaheen Malik Overcome an Acid Attack to Seek Justice and Dignity?

Shaheen Malik, an acid-attack survivor and disability rights activist in India, is on a relentless quest for justice and rehabilitation for victims like Ruman, who suffered severe injuries due to domestic violence. Despite the challenges, Malik remains resolute in her mission to advocate for the rights of acid attack survivors, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms and better healthcare access.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Shaheen Malik's ongoing efforts to reform India's disability laws for acid attack survivors have gained traction, particularly following a recent Supreme Court directive. This directive not only acknowledges the plight of survivors like Ruman but also calls for comprehensive reporting on acid attack cases across states. As the number of acid attacks continues to rise, with 207 recorded in 2023, the need for systemic change within the legal and healthcare frameworks has become increasingly evident.

Key takeaways

• Shaheen Malik advocates for legal reforms to protect acid attack survivors.
• Ruman, a victim of domestic violence, struggles to receive due compensation under current disability laws.
• The Supreme Court of India is pushing for better rehabilitation schemes and reporting on acid attack cases.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of acid attacks and the rights of survivors in India has evolved significantly over the last decade:

• 2009: Shaheen Malik is attacked with acid, leading to her long battle for justice.
• 2016: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act is enacted, but fails to adequately cover all acid attack survivors.
• 2021: Malik co-founds the Brave Souls Foundation to provide support for acid attack survivors.
• 2023: The Supreme Court issues directives for better reporting and rehabilitation for survivors, following Malik's petition.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Supreme Court of India has mandated all states to provide annual reports regarding acid attacks and the status of cases in courts. This move is part of a broader effort to improve accountability and support for survivors.

What was already established

It has been known for years that acid attack survivors face severe social stigma and difficulties in accessing legal and medical support. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act has been criticized for its narrow definition of victims, excluding individuals like Ruman who suffer from internal injuries resulting from forced ingestion of acid.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the situation primarily affects India, it raises awareness about the global issue of acid attacks and domestic violence. Understanding these dynamics can inform discussions around support mechanisms in the UK for similar victims of violence.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, the advocacy led by figures like Malik can inspire corporate social responsibility initiatives that focus on supporting survivors of violence and disability rights in the workplace.

Policy and regulation

The discussions surrounding acid attacks may lead to greater scrutiny of the effectiveness of existing laws in the UK, particularly those concerning domestic abuse and support for disabled individuals.

Numbers that matter

• 176 acid attack cases were recorded in India in 2021, a number that has increased each year.
• Only 43 out of 703 pending acid attack cases in 2023 were disposed of, highlighting a significant backlog in the judicial system.
• Malik has undergone 25 surgeries since her attack, illustrating the long-term medical needs of survivors.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Acid Attack: A violent assault involving the use of corrosive substances to harm or disfigure a person.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act: Indian legislation aimed at protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, including provisions for rehabilitation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, observers should monitor how state governments respond to the Supreme Court's directive regarding acid attack reporting and rehabilitation schemes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer term, advocacy groups may push for revisions to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to include all survivors, not just those with visible disfigurements.

Signals to watch

• Reports released by state governments regarding acid attack cases and rehabilitation efforts.
• Judicial outcomes from ongoing cases related to acid attacks, particularly those involving appeals.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support local and national organisations that advocate for the rights of acid attack survivors.
• Raise awareness about the challenges faced by acid attack survivors in your community.

Don’t

• Don’t dismiss the impact of acid attacks as a distant issue; it affects many lives locally and globally.
• Don’t ignore the voices of survivors advocating for justice and change.

Checklist

• Stay informed on legal reforms affecting disability rights.
• Engage with advocacy groups focused on domestic violence and acid attack prevention.
• Participate in community events promoting awareness of acid attacks.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Supreme Court has made significant strides in addressing the plight of acid attack survivors, there remain uncertainties regarding the implementation of these directives. The effectiveness of reporting mechanisms and rehabilitation schemes will ultimately depend on state compliance and the political will to reform existing laws.

Bottom line

Shaheen Malik's relentless pursuit of justice for acid attack survivors underscores the urgent need for systemic change in India's legal and healthcare systems. As cases continue to rise, the struggle for recognition and support for victims like Ruman highlights the broader societal issues of domestic violence and discrimination against disabled individuals.

FAQs

What are acid attacks in India?

Acid attacks in India are violent assaults where corrosive substances are thrown on victims, often resulting in severe physical and psychological harm.

What is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act?

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act is an Indian law aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities, although it has been criticized for its limited scope regarding acid attack survivors.

What support is available for acid attack survivors in India?

Support includes legal aid, medical care, and rehabilitation services, but survivors often face significant barriers in accessing these resources.