Cathartic Ink: A Qualitative Examination of Tattoo Motivations for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

ABSTRACT

Prior research indicates that motivations for obtaining tattoos are generally to signify philosophical positions, identity formation, life transitions and group membership. However, questions remain around the generalizability of these motivations for special populations. The current study advances the extant literature by qualitatively examining a group of self-identified survivors of sexual violence and their motivations for obtaining tattoos. Results of our study indicate that survivors of sexual violence seek out tattoo as a non-traditional form of healing. Survivors sought out tattoos as a means of regaining control of their bodies and their environment, reclamation and anti-normative healing and deviance from the patriarchy.

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Notes on contributors

December Maxwell

December Maxwell, MSW, is a Doctoral Student, Adjunct Professor, and Graduate Assistant at the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington. Her recent research has focused on prenatal and postpartum mental health, sexual trauma and PTSD, mothering and birthing expectations, Native American policy, and cultural differences in birthing and mothering focused on Native American maternal mental health. Her recent research has appeared in Health and Social Care in the Community, School Social Work Journal, and Affilia.

Johanna Thomas

Johanna Thomas, Ph.D., LMSW is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at The University of Arkansas and a licensed social worker in the State of Arkansas. She is the president-elect for the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Her research interests include truancy prevention and intervention, school social work, and gun violence prevention and advocacy. Dr. Thomas has completed several evaluations for TANF programs in the State of Arkansas including kinship subsidies, financial assistance, and most recently, Individual Development Accounts. Dr. Thomas has also evaluated a statewide truancy intervention program and received two grants to study post high school services for students with disabilities.

Shaun A. Thomas

Shaun A. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Arkansas. His recent research has focused on the spatial and temporal aspects of crime and delinquency, institutional isolation, disproportionate minority contact, and investigating the structural and cultural sources of interpersonal violence. His recent research has appeared in a variety of outlets including Sociological Spectrum, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Crime and Delinquency, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Homicide Studies.