If you’ve been considering getting a tattoo, you’re not alone. Many survivors of sexual assault have chosen to get a design of some sort as a lasting reminder of their experiences. Some have chosen to get tattoos of famous symbols and others have chosen a design that represents their personal struggle. Below, you’ll find some examples.
Fire rose unity
A fire rose tattoo is a symbol of strength and unity. It represents the power sexual assault survivors have to heal themselves. Lady Gaga, who co-wrote the documentary ‘Til It Happens to You,’ got one of these designs inked onto her shoulder. The geometric design has since become a popular choice. Other survivors choose designs such as “I’m still whole,” “no means no,” and “survivor.” The design can represent whatever the survivor feels is important to them.
Survivors often find comfort in tattoos. Lady Gaga is a famous celebrity who wore a tattoo of the ‘Fire Rose Unity’ sexual assault survivor. She got it shortly after her Oscar performance, where she invited 50 survivors onstage. Since then, a large number of survivors have gotten this tattoo.
Pheonix
Tattoo artist Arturo Emmanuel Palafox was arrested and charged with sexual assault after a 19-year-old girl was offered a free tattoo at a tattoo shop in Phoenix. The tattoo artist engaged in unwanted sexual contact with the victim, and also took photos of her.
To promote this cause, Phoenix Ink Tattoo is holding a fundraiser called “Still Not Asking For It.” This event aims to combat the stigma that survivors face in the tattoo community. The tattoo shop will be selling custom flash tattoos for $100, $150, and $200. The proceeds will be donated to the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
Medusa tattoo
A sexual assault survivor tattoo can be a symbol of strength, self-preservation, and empowerment. It can help a survivor overcome the shame and self-loathing that come from being a victim of sexual assault. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some cultures take exception to the idea of tattoos in general.
One symbol that could be incorporated into a tattoo for a survivor is the semicolon. This simple symbol has been traditionally used to represent someone who has overcome suicidal thoughts, but it has become a powerful symbol for victims of sexual assault. Those who have the tattoo represent that they have moved on to new ideas and are no longer bound by the trauma of the assault.
Rehtaeh Parsons’ tattoo
Rehtaeh Parsons, a seventeen-year-old Canadian girl, was gang-raped as a child. Her mother, Leah, found out about her daughter’s rape days after her death. She contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who dropped the case a year later, without charging the boys involved.
As a teenager, Rehtaeh had a tattoo of Asian characters on her arm. The symbols meant strength and courage. For Reh, this tattoo was a powerful symbol that helped her overcome her ordeal. It also gave her a boost of confidence.
Reclaiming bodies
My Body Back is a project that supports women after experiencing sexual assault by helping them reclaim their bodies and sexuality. Founded last August, the project addresses body image issues, sexuality issues, and empowers survivors to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Initially, the project tackled the psychological aspects of the issue, setting up a monthly trans-inclusive workshop called Cafe V to help survivors understand their body image and sexuality.
Reclaiming the body after sexual assault is a process that requires time and patience. Survivors must be willing to admit to their pain and heal. Sexual assault can cause sexual arousal, which can impact the survivor’s sense of self and autonomy. As a result, the body can hold traumatic memories and feelings for a long time. By reclaiming their bodies, they can begin to heal from the trauma.
Symbolism of heart attack for sexual assault survivors
A heart-shaped tattoo can be a powerful symbol for sexual assault survivors. It reminds them to fight the attacks with strength. It can also remind them that they’re stronger than the disease that took them. An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to heart attacks, which can be fatal or last for weeks.
Tattoos can also provide survivors with a spiritual and healing message. A tattoo containing inspirational quotes is a powerful healing mantra. Seeing these quotes every day can help survivors to overcome the trauma. Survivors can also choose spiritual symbols, such as Christian symbols representing love and peace or paganism symbols representing unity and transcendence. These tattoos can activate healing on a subconscious level, providing peace and comfort.