What tattoo would symbolizes overcoming rape?
Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at
11:35 pm
Probably one of the worst experiences of my life – and if I ever get over it, I want to get a tattoo to remind myself that it is in the past. I don’t wan’t to forget it, it’s a huge part of who I am today. I also want to get it somewhere that is hidden because it is not for other people to see, besides my husband, because I am doing this for myself – not as a decoration.
So I need two suggestions – What I should get and where. I don’t mind words, but I don’t want like an entire verse running down my arm.
Tagged with: overcoming • rape • symbolizes • tattoo • would
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I would think the rape left enough damage.
Dont tatoo your self for that kind of reason
Am sorry this happened to you
God Bless
I’d suggest the female power radfem symbol; a fist inside the female symbol (the one that has a circle with a plus at the bottom), if what you feel is powerful for overcoming the pain and terror. If you don’t feel comfortable with a female symbol of power, perhaps something like a tiger. Or maybe the chinese character for strength.
If you feel saved or protected in some way, maybe an angel.
If I were to have a tattoo, I’d either put it on my hipbone or on the back of one of my shoulders.
You will get over it; you have already started the process of incorporating it into your memory in a way that works for you.
Honestly, i don’t suggest you get a tattoo. If it is in the past, then it is in the past and that is where it should stay – not on your body.
With all due respect, i suggest you take some other course or action. Perhaps write a novel but, keep it to yourself. This way, it will be forever yours- much like the tattoo only this way you allow yourself to fully express yourself creatively. Perhaps a painting or maybe write a song. If you are not very artistic then perhaps start some sort of awareness campaign of some sort. If that’s not your thing either – then i wouldn’t know what to tell you. My honest, sincere opinion is that a tattoo would scar you. Not literally, i mean. Much like the rape itself it will be a constant, permanent reminder of the trauma you went through. Perhaps it is best, as i said before, to keep such a thing in the past but yes, – never forget it.
Regards,
Angelica
When I read your question I went to a online thesauraus and typed in the word “overcome” because you have overcame that obstacle in your life and has made you a better person. It gave me words like victory and stuff. Then I thought naaaaa…..Why don’t you get the word Strength……and put it somewhere where the rapist touched you, so that way when you look down at that part you will see the word strength and feel power over that person.
I wouldn’t get one that shows ‘rape’ in plain sight, or it may bring back memories. I’d get something that symbolizes something that shows that nothing can overpower you anymore, like “Extreme Girl Power’ . . like the superman symbol, but something besides the ‘S’ in the center.
I think of getting over something as being a way to mark a new beginning or a new chapter in my life. So I would have to say to go with a cherry blossom or other flower you like in a bunch at various stages to when it opens up fully so maybe a collage of buds & open flowers together.
if youre not a flowery kinda person I would say anything that makes you think fresh & new. you could look up the japanese symbols for strength & new & see if they look cool. Remember it does take strength to overcome something that life impacting.
maybe a butterfly just opening his wings for the first time.
maybe a black rose in the back w/ a red rose in front to show that that horrible day is dead & the red rose will symbolize the new day indicating you have put that bad behind you. maybe have a ribbon along the bottom that says strength.
I could go on & on all my tatoos symbolize something to me. I think its dumb to get them if they dont mean something to you
First of all, I’m so sorry you experienced rape. No one ever should have to. I think it’s great that you are going to celebrate getting past it.
Ideas; maybe a symbol for empowerment, or courage.
maybe something like a dove breaking free from chains, or breaking out of a dark place.
In terms of where, the only place no one but your husband is likely to see it is hidden under your underwear or bra.
I wish you the best of luck with the tattoo and with leaving the painful memories in the past.
Just put the word “survivor” in a blood red heart with 2 drops of blood dripping down out of it.
Whether or not you were a virgin when it happened, the drops represent your innocence involved, and your purity of the soul lost, but not dead. You survived.
And since it is just for you, give yourself time to feel at ease around men again, then have the tattoo artist put it on your upper, inner thigh. So you look down, see it, and feel your strength returning to you. Not the rapist.
Your strength will let you be that “Survivor”.
I was thinking of a phoenix rising from the ashes done in great detail. Maybe on your upper back or on one of your hips. It can represent you overcoming that part of your life and starting over a fresh new life!! Good luck on making your decision!!
Get a pheonix, it’s beautiful and it means “rebirth”.
Well, what image comes to your mind when you think of what happened and how you overcame it? If you’re going to get a tattoo, get something that has real meaning for you. If you only have a vague idea, you can work with a tattoo artist to come up with the right design for your situation. These artist are good about creating designs and reworking them until you’re satisfied.
As for where to put it, another question comes to mind. Do you want the world to know about your accomplishment? Or is this something personal to you that you want to keep to yourself? That will determine whether you put it in a place that’s covered up at least most of the time, or a place that could be more visible. Usually the design is meant for only one place. It just fits, if you understand what I mean.
I’m sorry if I haven’t really been helpful. I’m just tired of people who choose the flash on the wall or go with what people tell them to get, just because they want to get a tattoo and be trendy. This will be with you for live, or at least until you get it removed. And removal is more painful than the original tattoo. I’m definitely an advocate for tattoos with meaning that’s personal to the individual only.
I am so sorry you went through such a horrible thing. You sound like a strong girl!
Have you thought about getting a lotus and water? I read somewhere that lotus’s are special because they come out of muddy murky water to become beautiful flowers. It would symbolize that you overcame the horrible act and now are a strong and beautiful woman. Good luck with everything.
Well, the images that come to mind are :~
Dove ~ symbolic of peace and freedom
Butterfly ~ symbolic of transformation and change
Bear ~ symbolic of strength
As for location, maybe below {or beneath} your breast.
You have some really good suggestions already.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your survival and for deciding to get a tattoo in memory of it.
My tattoos represent not only the good, but the bad that has happened to me in my life and I look at them as constant reminders that I too have survived!
I think the only one who can answer that question is you. Sit down somewhere, relax for a little while, and let your thoughts just drift peacefully. Then close your eyes, and ask yourself what best represents being a survivor to you. It might be a word, an animal, or a symbol that pops into your mind.
That will be what your subconscious mind has chosen to represent surviving and healing. God bless you, sweetie — you’re a strong person, and you have every right to a tattoo that reminds you of your own inner healing and light.