Burn violence survivors face a harsh reality: the healthcare systems meant to save them often fall devastatingly short. Women and girls, who make up the majority of burn violence victims, require life-saving surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and mental health support—services that remain out of reach in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing this crisis requires strengthening local healthcare systems, not replacing them with temporary foreign interventions.

Burn violence is a hidden epidemic that underscores the systemic inequalities women and girls face worldwide. While violence against women takes many forms, burn violence—whether through acid attacks or intentional burns—remains one of the least reported and most misunderstood forms of gender-based violence. Globally, an estimated 10,000 intentional acid burn attacks occur annually, with women accounting for 80% of victims. Yet, nearly 40% of these cases remain unreported, silencing survivors and obscuring the true scale of this crisis.

Burn-related attacks are particularly brutal and understudied, targeting women disproportionately and leaving survivors with lasting physical and emotional scars. Legal frameworks play a pivotal role in addressing these injustices, yet gaps in legislation and enforcement continue to hinder global efforts.