Privilege & Perspective

Although my journey as an acid burn survivor hasn’t been easy, I recognize how privileged I am.

• I had great health insurance at the time of my assault and received the best medical care in one of the best burn units in the United States.
• At least one of my attackers was held accountable and convicted of heinous battery.
• The Crime Victims Compensation Bureau helped me with my $250K hospital bill.
• I was not disfigured and I did not lose my sight.
• I had supportive family & friends to care for me during & after my recovery.
• I was able to go back to work in an environment that was supportive & compassionate.
• I received mental health services to help me deal with the grief and trauma I experienced.
• I was able to go back to school to obtain a Master’s degree.
• I do not suffer from social isolation or have issues getting a date.
• I can share my story freely and on my own terms without fear of retaliation.
• I have been able to redefine beauty and share my scars with confidence.

Meanwhile, there are thousands of acid burn survivors around the globe, mostly women, whose faces and bodies are scarred beyond recognition.
• Whose attackers will never be held accountable.
• Whose attacks will likely be falsely registered as “stove blast” and they will have to go back home to the perpetrator who attacked them.
• Women who will never be able to tell their story.
• Who will not receive adequate medical care.
• Who will be ridiculed and forced into a life of solitude because of social stigma.
• Who will suffer a lifetime of societal trauma.
• Who will not find a job or be able to earn a living.
• Who will likely suffer serious disabilities like blindness.
• Who will have to fend for themselves and become dependent on others.

I am not doing enough.