Warning: This story contains distressing details
Shaheen Malik, an acid-attack survivor and disability rights activist in India, is fighting an uphill legal and social battle to secure justice and rehabilitation for others like her - and says she will not give up despite the odds.
In 2019, Ruman's* husband allegedly beat her and forced her to drink acid during an episode of domestic violence.
The alleged incident left her with severe internal injuries and a damaged oesophagus that had to be artificially reconstructed so that she could eat.
Despite years of treatment, Ruman struggles to swallow food and eats little. At 28, she weighs just 21kg, less than the average weight of an eight-year-old girl. Basic tasks like going to the bathroom exhaust her and she needs constant medical supervision.
