Nonprofit Helps Sex Trafficking Survivors Remove Forced Tattoos

Unbranded, a Metairie-based organization, offers free tattoo removal to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a tattoo removal procedure, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the process through dramatic lighting and a pitch-black background.A nonprofit's efforts to remove forced tattoos from sex trafficking survivors shine a light on the trauma they endure and the path to reclaiming their dignity.Central Today

A nonprofit called Unbranded, based in Metairie, Louisiana, is helping survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse by removing the tattoos that their abusers forced on them. The organization provides this service for free, as the procedures would usually cost thousands of dollars. Since launching almost 4 years ago, Unbranded has helped more than 40 people and removed over 300 tattoos.

Why it matters

Traffickers often brand their victims with tattoos as a way to mark their 'ownership' over them. By removing these tattoos, Unbranded is helping survivors reclaim their identity and dignity as they rebuild their lives after escaping trafficking situations. This service is crucial in supporting survivors' healing and reintegration into society.

The details

Unbranded is a nonprofit that serves all of Louisiana. The organization gives survivors a clean slate by removing the tattoos for free. Each trafficker has their own symbol, such as a rose, that they use to mark multiple victims. The service is completely free, though the procedures would usually cost thousands of dollars. Since launching almost 4 years ago, Unbranded has helped more than 40 people and removed over 300 tattoos.

  • Unbranded launched almost 4 years ago.
  • The organization has helped more than 40 people and removed over 300 tattoos since launching.

The players

Unbranded

A nonprofit organization based in Metairie, Louisiana that provides free tattoo removal services to survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse.

Courtney Lewis

The co-founder of Unbranded.

Elizabeth Oubre

A vendor who drove from New Orleans to support Unbranded's cause.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trafficking happens right here in our own communities. It happens in the city of Central. It happens in Baton Rouge. It is not big, huge cities. It's right here in your own backyard.”

— Courtney Lewis, Co-founder of Unbranded

“Once you hear the stories, once you can look into a victim's eyes, it changes your perspective. It brings more light to say, give this person back their dignity, to take away what someone else put on them that they did not willingly ask for.”

— Elizabeth Oubre, Vendor

What’s next

Unbranded plans to continue the cookoff fundraiser tradition that began on Saturday by possibly hosting another one in the fall.

The takeaway

This service provided by Unbranded is crucial in supporting survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse as they rebuild their lives. By removing the tattoos that their abusers forced on them, the organization is helping these individuals reclaim their identity and dignity, which is a vital step in their healing and reintegration process.