Natalia Ponce de León: Colombian Acid Attack Survivor and Human Rights Champion

Colombia has one of the world’s highest rates of acid attacks per capita. Between 2004 and 2017, over 1,500 cases were documented. This context frames the story of Natalia Ponce de León, an acid attack survivor who transformed personal tragedy into legislative change and global advocacy.

Born on August 8, 1980, in Bogotá, Natalia Ponce de León holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies from Politécnico Grancolombiano University. Before the attack that changed her life, she had lived briefly in London, studying English and working as a restaurant waitress. Upon returning to Colombia, she worked with her mother manufacturing school uniforms.

On March 27, 2014, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Ponce de León was visiting her mother’s home in the Santa Barbára neighborhood of Bogotá when Jonathan Vega Chávez attacked her. Vega, a former neighbor who had been obsessed with Ponce de León, threw a liter of sulfuric acid on her face and body after she rejected his romantic advances. The attack burned 24% of her body, including her face, arms, and abdomen.

Ponce de León’s transformation from victim to advocate began during her recovery. She founded the Natalia Ponce de León Foundation in 2015, which led to the passage of Law 1773 of 2016—the Natalia Ponce de León Law. This legislation defined acid attacks as a specific crime with sentences ranging from 12 to 50 years, replacing the previous inadequate penalties that treated such attacks as simple assault.

Early Life and Education

Natalia Ponce de León grew up in Bogotá and pursued her education at Politécnico Grancolombiano University, where she earned a degree in Film Studies. This creative background shaped her ability to communicate her message effectively through media and public speaking.

After completing her studies, she spent time in London working to improve her English and gain international experience. This period abroad provided her with perspective that would later inform her global advocacy work.

The March 2014 Attack

The attack occurred when Vega contacted the building’s security guard, using a false name to gain access to the building. He specifically used the name of one of Ponce de León’s ex-boyfriends to trick her into coming downstairs. Security cameras captured Vega waiting in the lobby before throwing the acid and fleeing the scene. This footage became critical evidence in his prosecution.

Ponce de León was rushed to Clínica Reina Sofía, where medical staff immediately began emergency treatment. She was placed under running water for two hours to neutralize the sulfuric acid. The chemical agent had caused severe burns to her face, lips, eyelids, left ear, arms, abdomen, and legs. Several drops entered her throat, causing inflammation and breathing difficulties.

The attack left her temporarily blind and in excruciating pain. She underwent over 30 reconstructive surgeries, many involving artificial skin from the Netherlands called Glyderm to rebuild her facial features. Her recovery required extensive medical intervention at Hospital Simón Bolívar and other specialized facilities.

Legal Justice

The legal proceedings against Jonathan Vega Chávez lasted nearly two years. His defense team attempted to have him declared unfit for trial, claiming he suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. However, the court rejected this argument, noting that Vega had purchased the sulfuric acid five months before the attack, demonstrating premeditation and awareness of his actions.

On September 9, 2016, the 37th Criminal Court in Bogotá sentenced Vega to 21 years and 10 months in prison for attempted murder. Ponce de León’s lawyer, Abelardo De La Espriella, represented her throughout the trial. The conviction marked a turning point in how Colombian courts handled acid attack cases.

As of 2024, Vega has served 10 years of his sentence. Due to study reductions, he has accumulated 11 years and five months of credited time, making him eligible to apply for parole. However, prison authorities note he has not completed the required treatment programs addressing gender-based violence and violent behavior.

Foundation and Advocacy Work

The Fundación Natalia Ponce de León was established in 2015 with a mission to defend and protect the rights of chemical attack survivors. The foundation provides psychological support, legal assistance, and medical care coordination for victims.

Key initiatives include:

• Training emergency responders to handle acid attack cases
• Improving burn unit facilities in Colombian hospitals
• Advocating for stricter chemical sales regulations
• Supporting survivors’ social reintegration
• Providing counseling for victims and their families

In partnership with the Hospital of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, the foundation developed Colombia’s first private burn clinic. This facility provides specialized care for chemical burn patients.

The Natalia Ponce de León Law

Law 1773 of 2016 transformed how Colombia addresses acid attacks. The legislation established acid attacks as an independent crime category with penalties of 150 to 240 months in prison. The severity increases based on the extent of injuries inflicted.

The law also mandates free medical care for victims, including reconstructive surgery and long-term psychological therapy. This provision ensures survivors receive necessary treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Colombia enacted this law during President Juan Manuel Santos’ administration, with Ponce de León present at the signing ceremony. The legislation serves as a model for other countries addressing similar violence.

Ponce de León’s advocacy earned her multiple international honors:

• BBC’s 100 Women (2016): She was named to this prestigious list under the theme “Defiance,” recognizing women who challenged violence and discrimination.
• U.S. International Women of Courage Award (2017): First Lady Melania Trump presented this honor at the U.S. State Department, acknowledging Ponce de León’s leadership in advocating for acid attack victims’ rights.
• Eisenhower Fellowship (2017): This program trains young leaders to address complex challenges in their countries. During her fellowship, Ponce de León visited leading burn centers including Johns Hopkins Children’s Burn Center, Johns Hopkins Burn Center, and Shriners Hospitals in Cincinnati and Boston.
• BBC Outlook Inspirations Award (2016): This recognition celebrated her inspiring transformation and advocacy work.
• Leaders of Colombia (2016): Named among the country’s most influential leaders for her social impact.

Public Awareness Campaign

In April 2015, Ponce de León made her first public appearance without a protective mask at the launch of “El Renacimiento de Natalia Ponce de León” (The Rebirth of Natalia Ponce de León). This book, written by journalist Martha Soto, chronicles her journey from the attack through recovery and activism.

The book launch marked a significant moment in her advocacy. By showing her face publicly, she challenged social stigma surrounding acid attack survivors and encouraged others to embrace their identities.

Ponce de León has established partnerships with organizations worldwide:

• ReSurge International: This organization arranged her meeting with Muskan Khatun, a Nepalese acid attack survivor. Their meeting occurred at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where they participated in a panel titled “Girls on Fire: The Gendered Outcomes of Burn Injuries.”
• Phoenix Society: During her Eisenhower Fellowship, she visited this organization’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Phoenix Society, founded in 1977, provides resources and peer support to burn survivors.
• One Young World: She serves as a counselor for this global youth leadership organization, sharing her experience with young leaders worldwide.

Medical Recovery Journey

Ponce de León has undergone at least 37 reconstructive surgeries since the attack. These procedures involved skin grafts, tissue reconstruction, and specialized treatments to restore function and appearance. She wears compression garments to protect scarred areas and promote healing.

The recovery process required not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological support. She has spoken openly about the importance of self-forgiveness and rebuilding confidence after trauma.

Medical advances in burn treatment, including the use of artificial skin products like Glyderm from the Netherlands, have been crucial to her recovery. These materials help reconstruct severely damaged tissue.

Impact on Colombian Society

Before the Natalia Ponce de León Law, Colombia reported 69 acid attack cases in 2015 alone—43 women and 26 men. By 2019, reported attacks had decreased to 16, largely occurring in domestic violence contexts. This reduction demonstrates the law’s deterrent effect.

The foundation has directly supported over 40 survivors, providing them with resources and community. Ponce de León’s advocacy has raised public awareness about gender-based violence and changed how Colombian society views acid attack survivors.

Her work contributed to broader legislative changes addressing violence against women. In 2015, Colombia passed laws making femicide a distinct crime, part of a growing movement to protect women’s rights.

Current Work

Ponce de León continues her advocacy through speaking engagements at international forums. She educates medical professionals, policymakers, and the public about acid attacks and their devastating consequences.

Her foundation works to expand access to specialized burn care across Colombia, particularly in rural areas where victims often lack resources. The organization advocates for better hospital burn units and emergency response protocols.

She maintains active partnerships with international organizations to share strategies for preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. Her message emphasizes that survivors should not be defined by their scars but by their strength and resilience.

In 2024, her advocacy took on new urgency as Jonathan Vega became eligible for parole. Ponce de León and her legal team have worked to ensure he receives a proper evaluation before any release consideration.

Conclusion

Natalia Ponce de León’s journey from victim to international advocate demonstrates how personal tragedy can drive social change. Her foundation continues working toward a future where acid attacks no longer occur, and survivors receive comprehensive support.

The law bearing her name stands as lasting proof that advocacy can transform legal systems. Colombia’s approach to acid attacks has changed fundamentally because one survivor refused to remain silent.

Her work extends beyond Colombia, inspiring survivors worldwide and informing global efforts to combat gender-based violence. Through partnerships with organizations like ReSurge International and the Phoenix Society, she has helped create international networks supporting burn survivors.

Natalia Ponce de León shows that recovery is not just physical healing—it is reclaiming agency, finding purpose, and fighting for others. Her message remains clear: survivors are not victims but warriors who can change the world.