Scarred by Inequality: The Global Crisis of Burn Violence Against Women and Girls
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.
Intentional burns are not random acts of violence. As mentioned in a Think Global Health article by Natalie Meyers, Laura Hoemeke, Rose Alenyo, they are often deliberate punishments tied to perceived violations of social norms or disputes over dowries, property, or finances. The highest rates of these attacks are reported in South Asia and the Middle East, where gender inequality and cultural practices perpetuate the subjugation of women.
Poverty further exacerbates the risks. People living in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, as burn risks correlate strongly with socioeconomic status. The demography of those intentionally burnt shows marginalized women and girls, especially those aged 15 to 30, with limited literacy, financial dependence, and restricted access to healthcare, are among the most vulnerable. These women are often trapped in cycles of dependency and control, with intentional burns used as a means of exerting dominance or inflicting punishment.
The aftermath of burn violence is harrowing. Survivors not only endure severe physical injuries but also grapple with psychological trauma, social ostracism, and economic instability. Studies show that women with intentional burns often sustain larger injuries and face higher mortality rates compared to accidental burn victims. Even when they seek medical care, they are less likely than men to receive surgical treatment, reflecting systemic gender inequities in healthcare.
Honour-based violence further compounds the issue. Practices like vitriolage—throwing acid or corrosive materials on women—are often linked to perceived dishonour within families. These acts of violence cause unimaginable suffering, permanent disfigurement, and profound economic consequences, as survivors are frequently unable to work or reintegrate into society, as strongly warned by academics.
Efforts to address burn violence, like the World Health Organization’s Global Burn Registry, are crucial. By collecting and analysing data from hospitals and burn centres worldwide, this initiative aims to improve prevention strategies and the quality of care for survivors. However, such efforts must be accompanied by broader systemic changes, including stronger legal protections, survivor-centred healthcare, and global advocacy to challenge the societal norms that allow this violence to persist.
Burn violence is not just a series of isolated incidents but a grim reflection of structural inequalities that marginalise women and girls. Addressing this crisis is essential not only to protect individual survivors but also to challenge the deep-seated inequities that sustain gender-based violence. By amplifying the voices of survivors and holding perpetrators accountable, we can work toward a future where no woman or girl lives in fear of being targeted, scarred, or silenced. Let us act now to confront this crisis and uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls worldwide.
