Joke’s ex-partner forced her for years to have his name, initials, and texts like “property of” tattooed on her body, a total of about 250 times. Her story is extreme, but there are many people, especially women, in the Netherlands with tattoos that they did not get willingly, according to Stichting Spijt van Tattoo. The foundation has launched a fundraiser to help Joke and others like her pay for tattoo removal.

Many women in the Netherlands get tattoos representing their partners or exes under pressure, coercion, or emotional manipulation, the foundation said. Joke lived in fear and was systematically humiliated. She couldn’t resist. “She tried to numb herself with alcohol and pills,” foundation spokesperson Andy Han said.

Joke was in an unhealthy relationship for years. Her ex bought a tattoo machine from AliExpress and tattooed his name on her body over and over again, the foundation said. “In places he thought had been touched by other men, such as her breasts and buttocks. It was a sign of control and possession,” Han said.

In recent months, a large portion of the tattoos have been removed from Joke’s body, especially her face. She hopes to be completely tattoo-free by the end of this year. “But that does not mean the psychological damage has been repaired. Women look at these kinds of tattoos every day, and every time, they cause pain.”

“For many women, these are not decorations, but lasting reminders of a period of fear and dependence,” Han said. Even small tattoos can have major psychological consequences after a relationship.

Tattoo removal is expensive. For Joke, it has already cost around €30,000. The foundation has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help women pay for removing these unwanted tattoos.

Joke hopes that her story can help encourage other women who have experienced similar abuse. “Those who have been deeply hurt can get back up,” Joke said on the foundation’s website. “If I can do it, then someone else can too.”