Surviving an Acid Attack: Nafiah Ikram’s Journey

Nafiah Ikram, at 27, experienced a life-altering moment when she was attacked near her home with acid in March 2021. Her journey to recovery has been challenging, involving numerous surgeries to repair the damage inflicted by the acid, which left her with enduring facial scars.

Seeking to reclaim a sense of normalcy, Nafiah visits a Long Island nail salon regularly. Dressed in a pink and white jogger suit, complimented by pink headphones, she strives to feel whole again. These visits are a part of her ongoing ritual to confront what she refers to as the ‘monster’ in her reflection.

“I’m trying my best to find my way back to the version of myself that I remember, because she was happy,” Nafiah shares, reflecting on the person she used to be. While the attack has deeply affected her, moments of introspection offer glimpses of self-acceptance.

The attack occurred when a hooded stranger threw battery acid at Nafiah while she headed home from her shift at CVS Pharmacy. Despite investigations by the Nassau County Police, details about the assailant remain unclear, leaving hooded shadows that persist in Nafiah’s mind.