Stigma, disfigurement and resilience among acid attack survivors: a qualitative body mapping study in Noida, India

Burn injuries are a significant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Acid attack is a type of intentional chemical burn and a form of gender-based violence used to disfigure the victim. While the physical and psychological impacts of acid attacks are documented, research focusing on the stigma experienced by survivors in India is limited. This study aims to explore how acid attack survivors in India experience and negotiate stigma associated with disfigurement.

This qualitative research was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024 in Noida, India, in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation-a community-based non-governmental organisation that works to support acid attack survivors. The study used body mapping, a participatory art-based methodology with eight women survivors of acid-attack violence. The body mapping exercise was conducted over four face-to-face sessions, ranging from 3 to 6 hours each. Two focus group discussions were also conducted. Thematic analysis was done in NVivo.

Two meta-themes were identified as factors contributing to stigma and factors mitigating stigma. The first theme highlights the devaluation of bodies with disfigurement, unacceptance and abuse from family, and the resulting loss of educational and employment opportunities. The second theme of factors mitigating stigma documents participants' journey towards self-acceptance and the critical role of the non-governmental organisation in providing opportunities and engaging them in advocacy.

This is the first study globally to use body mapping with acid attack survivors. The study findings recommend integrating holistic rehabilitation programmes that include psychosocial support, education and advocacy. It also illustrates the value of arts-based participatory research methods in capturing the lived experiences of survivors, ultimately contributing to their empowerment.