Help Chhanv Foundation ease the pain of acid attack victims. Donate now

Anshu Rajput woke up to the sharpest pain she had ever experienced. She felt the skin on her face melting from the inside. Her eyes burned and she couldn't see. She couldn’t cry out in pain either as her lips had also fused together. The 15-year-old was attacked with acid by her neighbour, a 55-year-old sexual predator, while she was asleep. The gruesome assault left the teenager partially blind and scarred for life. 

Fighting the odds, together

For survivors like Anshu, a Delhi-based Chhanv Foundation is the go-to place for help. Chhanv, which means ‘shade’ in Hindi, supports acid attack victims with rehabilitation and reintegration into society. They help survivors overcome the trauma and embrace life again by assisting with long-term medical treatment, legal aid and providing avenues of employment. Chhanv Foundation has supported the treatment and rehabilitation of over 50 acid attack victims.

But sadly, hundreds of acid attack victims who have approached Chhanv still await critical treatment as the organisation is short on resources and cannot support all of them.

“The chemical used in an attack is so toxic that it gives fourth-degree burns. The treatment for acid attacks is extremely costly and survivors suffer for many years.  The last two years have been very difficult for us due to a crisis in funds. We have not been able to support even the critical surgeries and other forms of treatment. There are too many survivors whose urgent treatment is awaited,” says Alok Dixit, Founder, Chhanv Foundation.

Help them rise and shine 

Anshu who had her initial treatment still awaits multiple skin grafts as the acid corroded her skin. She has also been battling social stigma for no fault of hers at such an early age. “The acid attacker targets the face. Society reacts exactly how the attacker wanted. But if society fully supports the acid attack survivors and treats them like any other human beings, it will help them reduce their pain and pull them from the dark recesses,” says Dixit.

Chhanv Foundation is determined to ensure that the acid and the attacker do not corrode Anshu’s future and her dreams.  “The purpose of the attackers will be defeated. That’s our endeavour,” says Dixit. 

But Chhanv cannot do it alone. To support 40 acid attack survivors with medical treatment, the organisation needs ₹1 crore.

While life will never be the same again for these brave women, rehabilitation and timely support through Chhanv can help them get back at least some of what was lost. Your donations bring back the spring in their step.