Man Forcibly Tattoos Name 250 Times on Ex-Partner Using AliExpress Device

A case reported by Nieuwsblad details a severe instance of domestic abuse where a woman, identified as Joke, was subjected to forced tattooing by her ex-partner. The perpetrator reportedly purchased a tattooing device from the online marketplace AliExpress to carry out the acts.

According to the report, the ex-partner tattooed his own name onto Joke’s skin approximately 250 times against her will. This act of branding serves as a physical manifestation of control and abuse within the relationship.

The Pattern of Forced Branding

The use of tattoos as a tool for dominance is a recognized tactic in cases of intimate partner violence and sex trafficking. These marks are often intended to signify ownership or to create a permanent psychological and physical reminder of the abuser’s power.

In other documented cases of domestic abuse, such as that of Nicola Frost, perpetrators have forced partners to receive tattoos specifically stating they are the property of the abuser. Frost was forced by her ex-boyfriend, Aaron James Wharton, to get tattoos of his name, including one that explicitly read Property of AJ Wharton.

These forced tattoos are often placed in visible or intimate locations to maximize the survivor’s feeling of being branded. Common locations include the foreheads, necks, forearms, and areas above the groin.

Psychological and Physical Impact

For survivors, these tattoos represent more than just physical scars; they are traumatic reminders of the abuse they endured. The process of being tattooed against one’s will, sometimes while drugged, adds a layer of physical pain to the psychological weight of the experience.

In the context of sex trafficking, tattoos may be used to indicate a victim’s perceived value, such as gold bars, dollar signs, barcodes, or even the asking price for their services. These markings are designed to strip the individual of their autonomy and treat them as commercial property.

The recovery process for survivors often involves the removal of these tattoos. Removing the markings is frequently a critical step in healing, as it allows survivors to erase the physical evidence of their tormentors’ control.

Legal Consequences and Systemic Issues

Legal responses to these crimes vary. In the case of Aaron James Wharton, who was convicted of Actual Bodily Harm at Northampton Crown Court, the perpetrator received a 21-month jail sentence and a ten-year restraining order. However, victims have described such sentences as too lenient given the lifelong impact of the abuse.

The prevalence of such abuse is significant, with reports indicating that two million people in the UK are affected by domestic abuse annually. Incidents saw a sharp increase during the coronavirus lockdown, as victims were trapped at home with their abusers.

The Polaris Project, a nonprofit focused on combating human trafficking in North America, estimated that there were 10,836 victims of sex trafficking in 2020, though this figure is considered an underestimate because it only accounts for reported cases.