There were cut marks from self-harming. Markings from her time as a trafficking victim covered other parts of her body. She escaped that life, and the drug addiction that thrived there, but for years the tattoos and scars were constant reminders of the person she once was. Today, the cuts and tattoos have been covered with images of things that have a positive influence on her life, such as her love of painting and flowers.
This is where my life was and this is where God has brought me. She also works with former gang members and people who cut themselves as a way to cope with emotional distress. She has enlisted the help of a network of more than two dozen tattoo artists and removal specialists in Georgia to remove visible signs of pain or turn them into beautiful works of art.
You can finally exhale completely. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is not giving the full names of survivors who have participated in the program because they have been victims of sexual violence or trafficking. Some are former gang members whose lives could be in danger if they were identified. Many people get tattoos for more joyous occasions. They might put the names or images of their children or a lover. Perhaps they have a beloved hobby or favorite saying, a religious symbol or flag.
Dressed in a gray and black top and black leggings, Reina, who works in retail, clutched her cellphone which contained an image for a tattoo she helped designed to cover the needle tracks from nearly seven years of heroin abuse. Before getting the tattoo, Reina said she would feel embarrassed. The tattoo session last nearly three hours. To participate in the program, tattoo artists and removal specialists learn about trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and increase their awareness of human trafficking and mental health.
Jesse Rollins, owner of Iron Clad Ink in Covington, has probably done about a dozen covers since he started participating in the program. I want them to be able to have the same opportunities we have without being judged for the tattoos they carry.
