NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new Tennessee law taking effect Jan. 1 will require tattoo artists across the state to complete training designed to help identify and safely report signs of human trafficking, expanding who may be able to recognize victims in everyday settings.

The law, known as the Ink of Hope Act, requires every licensed tattoo artist to complete up to one hour of training when renewing their license. The training focuses on recognizing warning signs of trafficking and how to report concerns without confronting a suspected trafficker or putting a victim at risk.

Why tattoo shops?

Advocates say traffickers sometimes use tattoos as a form of control, branding victims with names, symbols, or dates tied to their trafficker.

“You’re in a very intimate space with someone,” said Tom Chisholm, owner of Bellevue Tattoo Emporium. “You can often tell if someone is getting a tattoo because they want it or because they feel like they have to.”

A 2022 survey of 40 U.S. anti-trafficking organizations found 47% of survivors reported being branded or tagged with a tattoo by their trafficker.

Chisholm says some tattoo requests can raise red flags.

“Certain dates can represent different handlers,” he explained. “It’s essentially a substitute for a name.”

That’s one reason lawmakers targeted the tattoo industry for mandatory training, alongside other professions like health care providers and hair stylists that already receive trafficking awareness education.

Training without confrontation

The training required under the law will be provided by an accredited nonprofit and delivered as a short video. It teaches artists how to recognize potential signs of trafficking and how to report concerns safely to authorities without intervening directly.

The law also includes protections for tattoo artists, shielding them from liability when deciding whether to report suspected trafficking.

At Bellevue Tattoo Emporium, Chisholm has already implemented measures that mirror what the training emphasizes.

He has posted signs at every tattoo station and inside the bathroom explaining a discreet hand signal that victims can use to ask for help and reassuring clients that staff will respond quietly and confidentially.

Tom Chisholm inside his tattoo shop.{ } (Photo by Fox 17 News)

“If someone gives us that signal or whispers that they need help, we know what to do without causing a scene,” Chisholm said. “We can step away and make the call without tipping anyone off.”

One person can make a difference

Survivor advocates say expanding trafficking awareness to more public-facing businesses can help interrupt dangerous situations, especially in places with heavy foot traffic or frequent visitors.

Tennessee Voices for Victims works with survivors across the state and supports laws aimed at earlier intervention.

“Often victims are living in a world of such violence and abuse that they think they can’t get out,” said Verna Wyatt, the organization’s executive director. “But there is support for them.

Wyatt says human trafficking impacts communities statewide, not just large cities, and victims may encounter many people before someone recognizes the signs.

What happens next

The Ink of Hope Act takes effect Jan. 1, making Tennessee one of the first states to require formal human trafficking awareness training specifically for tattoo artists.

Supporters say the goal isn’t to turn artists into investigators, but to give them tools to respond safely if something feels off.

“If you can do one more thing to make this less likely to happen,” Chisholm said, “that’s a really good thing.”

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, you can call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-800-55-TNHTH or 1-800-558-6484.