In a bid to support individuals seeking to distance themselves from past affiliations, a laser tattoo removal specialist in Winnipeg is extending a helping hand, even behind bars.
Della Steinke, the proprietor of Mother Ink Tattoo Removal, has been extending complimentary laser treatments to ex-gang members, former inmates, and individuals striving for a fresh start for nearly a decade.
According to Steinke, the presence of gang-related tattoos can serve as a substantial hindrance for individuals attempting to leave behind their past lives. “Everything else is a lot easier if you don’t have a gang sign on your face,” Steinke expressed in an interview with CTV News on Monday.
Having recently secured provincial and municipal funding in October, Steinke has commenced offering her services to inmates at the Headingley Men’s Correction Centre (HCC).
“We probably have somewhere in the neighbourhood of about 150 guys on the waiting list right now,” estimated Steinke, underlining the demand for such services within carceral settings.
Explaining the origins of prison tattoos, Steinke elucidated that they are typically crafted from soot mixed with water or baby oil, often becoming a necessity for some inmates for reasons of protection or coercion.
The removal of these tattoos, however, holds significant promise for individuals seeking to reintegrate into society post-incarceration. Steinke emphasized, “If you get rid of those tattoos and you come out and, you know, we can get you housing and a job and everything even before you walk out that door, then they’re already ahead of the game.”
Beyond the physical procedure, Steinke facilitates her clients’ reintegration efforts by linking them with various social supports, primarily through organizations like the Spence Neighbourhood Association.
While acknowledging the discomfort associated with the tattoo removal process, likening it to a burn, Steinke noted the profound emotional impact on her clients as they witness their past markings fade away. “They get very emotional when they can actually see that starting to disappear, because they said when they look in the mirror every day, it’s just a constant reminder of that past and the things they’ve done in the past that, you know, a lot of them regret,” she remarked.
In response to inquiries, a provincial spokesperson informed CTV News via email that if the ongoing pilot project at HCC proves successful, consideration will be given to expanding the initiative to include the Headingley Women’s Correctional Centre.