Tattoo Cover-Ups for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Contact Ashley at 208-809-0578 Facebook: Ashley Morris or Insta Ashley.morris.ink

Sometimes the reminders of our past are visible.

A name.
A date.
A symbol that once meant love… but now carries pain.

For many survivors of domestic violence, those reminders are literally written on their skin.

This week we learned about a local tattoo artist who has decided to do something powerful about it.

After reflecting on her own experiences with domestic violence, she made a simple but meaningful commitment: on the third Friday of every month, she will offer $50–$100 tattoo cover-ups for survivors of domestic violence.

The goal is simple.

Help people transform painful reminders into something new.

She shared that many survivors carry tattoos connected to past relationships — names, initials, anniversary dates, or symbols tied to someone who caused them harm. While they may seem small to outsiders, these tattoos can serve as daily emotional triggers, bringing back memories of trauma, fear, or control.

A cover-up tattoo doesn’t erase the past.

But it can represent something incredibly important: reclaiming ownership of your story.

Domestic violence affects more people than many realize. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. And abuse isn’t always physical — it can also be emotional, psychological, financial, or coercive.

For survivors, healing often happens in steps.

Sometimes those steps look like counseling, support groups, or rebuilding safety.

And sometimes… they look like covering up a name on your hand with something that represents who you are now.

The artist shared this first example — a cover-up tattoo replacing a name on someone’s hand. What once served as a reminder of a painful chapter is now becoming something new, something chosen.

Because survivors deserve that.

They deserve healing.
They deserve growth.
And they deserve the ability to move forward without the past staring back at them every day.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, you can reach out to the artist directly. She plans to continue offering these monthly tattoo cover-ups for survivors as a way to give back and support others walking the same path she once did.

Sometimes healing starts with something small.

Sometimes it starts with replacing a name.

And sometimes it starts with a community willing to help people reclaim their story.

If You Need Help

Domestic violence can affect anyone, and help is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone and there are people ready to support you.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. You can also chat online at thehotline.org.

If you are in Idaho, the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence can help connect you with local shelters, advocacy groups, and confidential support services.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Reaching out can feel difficult, but support, safety, and healing are possible.