This nonprofit is looking for tattoo artists to cover up the scars of human trafficking victims

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) - A West Coast-based nonprofit helps human trafficking survivors cover up or remove branding tattoos.

The organization, called Soul Survivor Ink, is looking for tattoo artists, aestheticians and removal technicians who specialize in cover-ups and removals.

Soul Survivor Ink began partnering with the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force last year.

The two organizations are working to identify human trafficking victims and set them up with professionals who can help transform their painful memories free of charge.

WMBF spoke with Tyler Molitano, an artist at Fantasy Ink in Myrtle Beach. He said the partnership is something he’d love to be part of because he’s seen firsthand how covering up tattoos can change someone’s life.

“We’ve all seen it where a customer comes in sad and upset and leaves with happy tears because it’s off their body,” Molitano said. “They don’t have to look at it every day, so it’s one of the best parts of this job being able to change someone’s life and the way that they look at themselves.”

Soul Survivor Ink founder Gina Jernukian said their goal is to have at least one partner or tattoo shop in every major city in every state.

In South Carolina, they’ve already secured partners in Columbia and Clemson and are working to find more.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Jernukian said it’s important to bring awareness to the issue because those you least expect could be victims.

“This is everywhere,” Jernukian said. “There is no zip code that is exempt. That lady standing next to you in the grocery line may be being trafficked. The mom sitting next to you at the dance recital may be under the influence of a pimp. We just don’t think of it that way.”

Jernukian said there are currently more survivors than partners, so if you’re interested in helping, you can find more information and sign up by emailing info@soulsurvivor.ink or visiting the Soul Survivor Ink website.

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