And these simple black images, says tattoo artist Ashley Love, can be a permanent symbol of hope for those who carry invisible but indelible marks left by sexual assault.
“Getting a tattoo is a nice way of reclaiming your own body, to help tell yourself that you’re in charge,” said Love, who said she has experienced sexual assault.
She created the first “Still Not Asking For It” fundraising event in 2015, when she worked in New York. This year, Salt Lake City’s Yellow Rose Tattoo was one of 56 shops around the world that participated.
All proceeds go to organizations that work to prevent sexual assault and support victims; Yellow Rose has donated to the Rape Recovery Center for the past three years.