Powerful Ink: Below the Surface of Human Trafficking Tattoos

This workshop explores the relationship between tattoos and commercial sexual exploitation for both survivors and traffickers. Through a collaborative partnership with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Portland State University the presenters help practitioners, law enforcement personnel, parole and probation, advocates, and other stakeholders understand the significance of tattoos and tattooing in the world of human trafficking. This workshop analyzes the extent to which certain categories, locations on the body, and quantities of tattoos are related to human sex trafficking for both victims and traffickers. Taken from interviews with law enforcement personnel, survivors, traffickers and database photographs, we explore how understanding the meanings and placement of tattoos can aid in developing therapeutic, as well as legal and investigative, tools for all stakeholders.