Dutch Charity Helps Abuse Survivors Erase Forced Tattoos and Rebuild Their Lives

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Rotterdam: A Dutch charity is helping survivors of domestic abuse remove tattoos forced on them by abusive partners, giving many a chance to reclaim their lives through free laser treatment.

The Rotterdam-based foundation Spijt van Tattoo (Tattoo Regret) offers free tattoo removal to victims of coercive control and abuse. The organisation has already helped hundreds of people and is preparing to expand its work internationally.

Among those supported is a woman whose abusive partner repeatedly tattooed his name across her face and body. After more than two years of laser treatment, she says the removal of the tattoos has helped restore her confidence and given her hope for the future.

Another survivor said she was forced to have a tattoo declaring she was the ‘property’ of her partner. She described the tattoo removal process as an important step in overcoming years of abuse and reclaiming control over her body.

The charity's founders said they began offering free treatment in 2018 after recognising that many survivors remained traumatised by tattoos imposed through violence and intimidation. They estimate that removing extensive tattoos can cost tens of thousands of euros but say they are committed to helping victims regardless of the expense.

Domestic violence specialists say forced tattooing is an often-overlooked form of abuse and are urging victims to seek help, stressing that support is available for those trying to escape abusive relationships.

Pic Credit: AFP