More Than Skin-Deep: Dutch Survivors Laser Away Forced Tattoos to Reclaim Their Lives

Dutch survivor Joke winces as lasers snap across her skin while technicians work to erase one of roughly 250 tattoos her abusive partner forced onto her body. The Rotterdam-based foundation Spijt van Tattoo ("Tattoo Regret") offers free laser removal to victims of coercive tattooing and is preparing to expand its services beyond the Netherlands.

Joke (pronounced Yo-ke) endured years of confinement, violence and repeated forced tattooing with a gun until almost every inch of her body was inked with her abuser's name — across her face, eyelids, chest and hands. Even after she escaped, the marks left her feeling exposed, ashamed and afraid to leave the house.

"Everyone looks at you and insults you... You feel so small," Joke told AFP, describing how the tattoos affected her life.

Referred to Spijt van Tattoo by national support organisation Veilig Thuis ("Safe at Home"), Joke began a long, painful course of treatment: 12 laser sessions over two and a half years. Facial sessions were so painful she required a plastic surgeon to administer anaesthetic. With professional aftercare and make-up, the most visible scars are now greatly reduced and Joke says she has regained hope and agency.

Reclaiming A Body And A Life

Another survivor, identified only as Bonnie, was forced at age 22 to have the words "property of" followed by her abuser's name tattooed above her genitals. He then forced her to display the mark to his friends. After enduring years of abuse, including threats and violence against her child, she fled and eventually chose removal over cover-up.

"For me it is the first step towards closing one of the most painful chapters of my life... reclaiming my own body and my life," Bonnie said.

The People Behind The Work

Spijt van Tattoo is led by Andy and Dex Han, a husband-and-wife team with three decades of experience in tattoo removal. Since 2018 they have devoted one day each week to pro bono work for victims of coercive relationships and trafficking, from small initials to names inked across faces. The charity has expanded from Rotterdam to The Hague and Amsterdam and plans a project in Cape Town aimed at helping former gang members reintegrate safely.

Cost is a major challenge: removal can be roughly ten times the cost of getting tattooed and depends on surface area and pigment. Andy Han estimates that completing Joke's facial work will total about €100,000; crowdfunding has raised more than €30,000 so far. Despite the expense, the Han family says the human impact — renewed confidence, improved mental health and safety — justifies the effort.

Hidden Abuse, Visible Recovery

Kylianne Teuben, a behavioural scientist with Veilig Thuis, warns forced tattooing is often underreported because the marks can be hidden beneath clothing. She urges anyone in such situations to seek help when they are ready: national and local organisations can provide support, referrals and safe options for removal.

"It's important to know you are not alone and that help exists," Teuben said.

Both survivors emphasize that leaving an abuser is difficult but possible. Their message to others trapped in coercive relationships is clear: reach out for help, because reclaiming your body can be a powerful step toward healing.

"Just do it. It can't get any worse than where you are now," Joke said. "You can do it. You're not weak. He's weak. Women are strong."