Trauma-Informed Tattooing
What is it and how do we make it happen?
Informed Consent and Trauma-Informed Care
We assume when people step into a shop that there is an implied consent to being tattooed. In reality, consent should be an ongoing negotiation to make sure the client is going into the experience knowing what to expect, saying yes to it, and feeling excited and positive.
Working directly with people’s bodies can often hold complicated histories, experiences, and emotions. A trauma-informed or trauma-aware approach means that we are going into our client relationships with the awareness that people will be showing up with their own experiences and histories and we are prepared to encounter those. We make space for the ways that past trauma or PTSD might show up in our appointments and we have structures in place for this.
What does this look like in practice?
We will communicate clearly with our clients about what you can expect during the tattoo process. We will describe and talk through the steps before we start and we will verbalize that you have the right to ask questions and ask for what you need at any point in the process.
We will ask for your express consent with each step of the process. “Are you ready to get started?” “Is it okay if I hold/move/touch your arm like this?” “Are you comfortable?”
We create space for collaboration and input on your designs. We make sure that we are on the same page about your vision for the piece. We know that it’s not always easy to speak up in the moment if you need a design or a stencil placement changed, but we will do everything we can to make sure you know you have the right and the power to speak up and your input will be our main focus in making sure you have a tattoo you are 100% thrilled with.
Client Bill of Rights
1
The right to a clean and comfortable environment that follows best practices for health and safety.
2
The right to equal treatment and service regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, or health status.
3
The right to respectful communication, including the right to be addressed by your preferred name and correct pronouns and the right to be in an environment free from hate-speech or verbal harassment.
4
The right to an artist who is technically and stylistically suited to your tattoo request, or a reference to someone who is.
5
The right to ask clarifying questions about the tattoo process and technical decisions that go into a design or placement limitation, and to have them answered with patience and respect.
6
The right to be asked for approval as to your final design, and regarding changes your artist may consider during a tattoo session
7
The right to be asked for consent about physical contact and touch needed to perform your tattoo, including the adjustment or removal of clothing.
8
The right to request and be provided with provisions toward your personal privacy and comfort to the best ability of the artist and shop.
9
The right to have your accessibility needs met to the extent that the shop and artist are able to provide them, or a referral to a shop or artist who can best meet those needs
10
The right to confidentiality around personal and private information, including the right to be asked for consent before photos of you are taken or posted.
11
The right to self-advocacy: to speak up and be heard if anything during your session or in regards to your overall shop experience does not feel right.
Source:
Tamara Santibañez
K. Lenore Siner
For more information on Informed Consent and Trauma-Informed Tattooing, visit www.disciplinepress.com