Brave Souls Foundation, registered as a Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 since July 2021, is a group of social activists, lawyers, researchers and socially spirited individuals working towards prevention of acid attacks, gender based violence and amelioration of the condition of victims.

We believe that an acid attack is the worst crime that could be committed, particularly against women. Based upon decade long experience of our founders working with victims of human rights violations and particularly acid attack victims, we report that most prefer loss of a limb, rape or even death over an acid attack. We believe that preventing acid attacks and securing justice for its victims is one of the most important areas of human rights.

What is an acid attack?

“Acid attack” is a common term used to describe an act where acid or similarly corrosive substance is either thrown on to the body or orally administered to the victim. The Intention is to disfigure, maim, torture, or kill. Most targeted area is the face of the victims, leaving them severely disfigured and, often blind, for life. The perpetrators of the attacks throw corrosive liquids at their victims, mostly at their faces, burning them and damaging their skin tissue, often exposing and dissolving bones. Attacks like this can lead to permanent, partial or complete disability. The long-term effect may include severe permanent scarring of the face and body, blindness, and in cases of acid ingestion- multiple internal injuries to their oesophagus and stomach lining.

Where and why is it common?

Acid attacks are more common in developing countries where acid sales are unregulated. Strong acids are cheaply sold over the counter. They are utilised, particularly by lower-income households for cleaning, disinfecting, unclogging drains, etc. Consequently, acid attacks are common in lower socio-economic strata of the society. The most common reasons for attacks on women and girls is the refusal of marriage, the denial of sex, and the rejection of sexual or romantic advances made by men and boys.

It is clearly an expression of control over women's and girls' bodies and autonomy. Even after a Supreme Court order regarding the regulation of acid sales, it can still be easily bought over the counter. Most acid retailers do not complete their registration process with the buyer's name and address after checking the valid photo ID if the buyer is found to be a regular buyer in their store. Men's exposure to violence from an early age, to see women in their own homes receive such treatment from older men in the house and to gender-based social norms that make it acceptable for men to harm and abuse women, to have power over women, and for men to have rights over women.

Apart from the acid being easily available, commission of acid attack does not require any special skill or strength on the part of the perpetrator, acid is often thrown from a distance without any bodily contact. The consequences for the victim are shocking and lifelong. These factors have made it the preferred form of assault and explain the rampant rise in acid attacks.

Who are the victims and how are they affected?

In the majority of cases, victims are women and the motive is revenge for spurned sexual or romantic advances. In a society obsessed with physical beauty, women are particularly affected. Their romantic and matrimonial prospects are vanquished, they are socially ostracised, and their economic opportunities further dwindle.

Victims require lifelong treatment and care. They live on medication for a lifetime. Multiple surgeries lower the immune system and general health. There is a huge increase in expenses coupled with loss of employment on account of disability. Victims become a social and financial burden on the family and in many cases they are abandoned by their own families.

After an acid attack, victims suffer from changes in their life, perspectives, behaviours, feelings, social withdrawal, social isolation, and depression. Formal and informal social support is vital for the proper and complete rehabilitation of acid burn victims. As is the case with development of any non-birth visible bodily deformity, acid attack is accompanied by severe psychological trauma. Victims lose a sense of identity. Lifelong disabilities and scarring serve as constant reminders of the violations of bodily integrities. People fail to hide their shock at the appearance of the victims from children screaming to people consciously or unconsciously avoiding the victims. Discrimination often extends to the point of untouchability. Victims are almost always depressed and very often suicidal.

The perpetrators do not see the real effects of such threatening, frightening and upcoming attacks on innocent victims and throw acid on them, distorting their faces, limbs, and various body tissues. It's high time now. There is something that must be done to stop this evil in our society. Otherwise it will be too late, and the innocent creatures in this world will continue to suffer without their fault.

Our Vision

A world free from acid attacks and all forms of gender-based violence, where women are equal, empowered, and able to lead fulfilling lives without fear or discrimination.

Our Mission

To end acid attacks and all forms of gender-based violence in India, ensuring that survivors and vulnerable women have access to justice, rehabilitation, and the ability to lead fulfilling lives in society.

Our Network