A Kiwi tattoo artist who took explicit photos of his client without her consent has sparked a global campaign against sexual, physical and emotional abuse within the tattoo industry.
While many are aware of the #MeToo movement and its role in the entertainment industry, its place in the world of tattooing appears to be overlooked and underrepresented.
Although abuse in the tattoo industry is not widely discussed and is uncommon within public discourse, the process does involve trust, respect and a level of vulnerability - all of which can be easily exploited and taken advantage of.
"Tattooing is incredibly intimate," Hanna, an Auckland-based tattooist, told Newshub.
"You're allowing someone to leave their work on your skin indefinitely, and the artist has their hands on your body."
The 21-year-old is the only Kiwi to have joined the global campaign 'Cover-Ups Against Abuse'. Over 100 tattooists worldwide have pledged to provide free cover-ups for those assaulted by their artist.
Cover Ups Against Abuse was inspired by a recent allegation of a travelling tattooist taking photos of his client's thigh without her consent. The female victim alleges he shared the photos in a group chat alongside derogatory language.
"Imagine someone literally branding you with an abusive experience," says Hanna.
"The piece itself can represent painful memories, triggering anything from discomfort to PTSD. It's a constant reminder of an experience where someone had their trust taken advantage of, and left a lifelong mark."
Hanna believes there are many more victims in New Zealand that have yet to come forward.
"Discussing abuse, sexual assault and harassment is still quite taboo. I wouldn't be surprised if there are many more cases in New Zealand," she says.
Outside of New Zealand, allegedly over 200 women in the US have claimed a Detroit-based tattooist sexually assaulted them. There has also been a number of claims of sexual harassment against a UK tattooist.
"He was caught taking up-skirt photos and hiding cameras in his clientele bathroom," Hanna explains.
Hanna, who specialises in hand-poked tattoos, says Cover Ups Against Abuse is a necessary movement to bring greater awareness and support to those who have been tattooed by an abusive artist.
"The list shows just how many artists are willing to help, to either cover the piece or turn it into something healing... in a few hours you could seriously impact their entire life for the better," Hanna says.
She says all tattoo artists should be respectful of their client and their boundaries, communicate clearly and act appropriately throughout the sessions.
"It's not hard to be your respectful to your clients. Work with what they're comfortable with. Be aware of their body language, your own actions and your hand placement," she says.
Hanna also has a message to those who have been abused by their tattooist.
"Reach out when you're ready to, then come forward and talk.
"When you are ready and want to reach out, there are people around the world who will listen - qualified tattoo artists who are more than happy to offer their time to help."
If you are a tattoo artist and want to be a part of Cover Ups Against Abuse, you can sign up here.
Newshub.
