Tattoo artists advocate for safe spaces as #metoo movement hits Regina industry

Tattoo artists are extending support tosexual violence survivors who say they were violated by someone who inked them.

"As an artist, you're in a place of power. They have to be vulnerable to get it done and that power can't be abused. It has to stay professional," said Regina artist Sara Derksen.

Multiple allegations suggest there has been misconduct within the Regina tattoo industry. In July, allegations implicating people either in or associated with the tattoo scene were posted to an Instagram account dedicated to sharing anonymous stories of sexual violence in Regina.

Similar movements associated with sexual violence in thetattoo industry are happening across Canada mostly through Instagram.

• Regina Instagram account highlighting sexual violence stories is a 'reckoning,' creator says

There are few things more permanent than artwork inked on skin.Derksen said this visible reminder can be incredibly traumatic for people violated by the artist.

"They already have to deal with the actual trauma of that happening; they don't need a visual reminder," she said."I want there to be a safe place for people who need to finish their tattoos that were done by predatory artists."

She's one of many artists now speaking out with the goal of creating a safer tattoo scene in the city. Artists are also offering to do cover-ups or finish incomplete work.

Harassment in the industry

Derksen entered the industry at 18. She said both clients and female artistslike herself experienced sexual violence, but that nothing was done.

She said the man who brought her on board for an apprenticeship sexually harassed her for two years.

"To get an apprenticeship was huge. I wasn't going to mess that up, even if it meant being abused," she said.

Derksen said she was made to question her own merit and told "no one else will hire you."

She also remembers her boss targetting a client he said was "hot."

"He actually went through our waivers and infringed on her privacy to find her contact information," she said. "I was convinced that was my livelihood and I had no other option. I didn't whistleblow, and I should have."

Now Dersksen is encouraging others in the industry to speak up and intervene.

"We can't assume the quiet client is actually comfortable."

• Experts say bystanders must call out sexual harassment in the workplace

Education is key

Regina artist and advocateCJ Pannell posted a call to victims of sexual violence in early June, as #metoo movements were starting to shake up the industry in other cities.

"We're creating a really strong community," Pannell said. "As a survivor myself, I wanted to be able to provide a space that is safe for my clients."

She and her coworker Geanna Dunbar said theycan't keep quiet as survivors come forward.

"We're doing our best to educate our clients and to educate people to notice what's normal and what's not," said piercerand artist Dunbar.

Dunbar said she's using social media to showwhat's appropriate and what might be a red flag. For example, she said you don'thave to remove your whole shirt for a tattoo. There are options for draping or nipple coverings. Derksen added that letting people bring a friend or having cameras in the shop can bolster comfort.

Pannell and Dunbar said some victims who have reached out to them didn't realize at the time that what they experienced was wrong.

"They didn't even realize they were taken advantage of as minors," Dunbar said.

Pannell said they're also trying toeducate people who might be unaware they are behaving inappropriately.

Both are encouraging people to seek other resources, like counselling, for support if they need. They're also calling for accountability from artists who have been accused.

A permanent shift

Dominika, who works for Wright Ink and Artwork in Regina,said education efforts like this are key, because she's had countless clients express that they don't know what's normal and what's not.

She said industry lacks regulation for such intimate work.

"There's been a lot of abuse of power where artists know full well that young girls look up to them,"she said. "It's time to change that."

The industry has seen more female artists leading the way in recent years, she said, addingthere have also been transgender artists, Indigenous artists and people of colour who are blazing trails. She said this can alsocontribute to safer, more inclusive spaces.

A new way to speak up

Dunbar said it seemsvictims historically haven't come forward in a city as small as Regina because they feel like they wouldn't have credibility, especially if their claims are against someone who's been in the industry for years or well-known for their art.

"It's really hard to sit around and hear people who worked with these abuserssayyeah, they've been doing that for years," Dunbar said.

She said there hasn't been a forum like this for people to share their experiences or to report sexual violence until the Instagram account popped up.Derksenadded there's no "Rate my Tattoo Artist" website, nor is there an HR department.

She said she has seen some survivors being accused of "ruining reputations." She doesn't want that to deter others.

"Reporting an abuser doesn't ruin their lives, they already did that by being an abuser," Dersksen said. "Reporting an abuser doesn't damage their reputation, it makes their reputation more accurate."

Dunbar wants survivors to keep speaking out, regardless of any pushback. She's hopeful this movement will create lasting change in the local tattoo scene.

"There's the momentum with the #metoo movement and people feel like it's time."