CUMMING, Ga. — It goes without saying that sex trafficking is a real issue in the Peach State. It’s even more of an issue in the greater Atlanta area, which is ranked one of the highest U.S. cities in terms of trafficking and prostitution.
The lucky few who can escape the lifestyle not only have to live with the with the psychological scars but physical ones as well. Many survivors of sex trafficking are ‘marked' with crude, unwanted tattoos proving ownership to their respective pimps. That’s where Atlanta Redemption Ink comes to the rescue.
“There’s that physical and psychological chain that keeps you there with that tattoo. So, once you go through that cover-up, you’re breaking that psychological chain,” said Jessica Lamb, the founder and director of Atlanta Redemption Ink.
Since the summer of 2017, Lamb has been providing survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse & gang violence the opportunity to erase some of those scars left by that trauma.
So far, 275 people have applied to the program.
“Something I strive to let people know is even though an image was placed on somebody, that wasn’t their identity to begin with,” said Lamb. “Their identity was who they were before that image was placed on them.”
Thus far, this survivor-led organization has partnered with 20 artists across the state. Each of these artists and shops go through an interview process before they are approved. She is committed to providing a safe environment with reputable, trauma-informed and trusted artists and removal specialists.
Recently, two tattoo shops Pür Ink Tattoos & Piercings in Alpharetta and Iron Clad Ink in Covington have also become certified as a Safe Place, where any youth in crisis can walk into & ask for help. Then they are quickly connected to a nearby youth shelter for immediate assistance.
Find out more information about Atlanta Redemption Ink online at www.atlantaredmptionink.com as well as Facebook and Instagram.
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