Prior research has shown that sex traffickers often tattoo or “brand” victims, however there is little information available on the characteristics of these tattoos and how to recognize them. The purpose of this research is to analyze sex trafficking related tattoos, which can assist in the identification of possible victims, sex traffickers, and trends within sex trafficking cases. Using data from the Human Trafficking Database (HTD) in the Multnomah County, Oregon Jail, images of tattoos captured by a corrections sergeant during the booking and housing of 253 suspected sex traffickers and 57 suspected sex trafficking victims (n=310) were examined. The tattoo images were organized into themes based off of their content, and 15 tattoo themes were developed. Because traffickers and victims of sex trafficking often enter correctional institutions for crimes other than trafficking, recognizing tattoos can be a critical piece for connecting cases and for tracking the individuals. This study analyzes the extent to which certain categories, locations on the body, and quantities of tattoos are related to sex trafficking for both victims and traffickers. Examples of the images will be provided that depict the quality and location of the tattoos. The findings contribute to the understanding, awareness, and response to sex trafficking cases, not only for law enforcement but for all stakeholders involved in sex trafficking cases and for the community as a whole.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Please note, this presentation will not be available as an on-demand webinar for viewing after the conference
Christopher Carey is a former Deputy District Attorney and currently an Associate Professor at Portland State University. His expertise is human rights with an emphasis on human trafficking. He served as Executive Director of a U.S. based international human rights organization focused on combatting human trafficking and authored several articles on the subject.
Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is a Professor at the ASU of Social Work and Director of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research. She is the Clinical Director of Phoenix Starfish Place and the Director of the Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline. Dr. Roe-Sepowitz has more than 50 peer reviewed publications.
Molly McDade is the Jail Human Trafficking Sergeant at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. She documents trends and tattoos and discusses relationships with suspected traffickers and victims of sex trafficking. She assists in gathering evidence and partners with academia in research, which helps indict and prosecute individuals who commercially sexually exploit victims.