[#23] Online Abuse, Tattooing & the Need for DBS Checks

Episode 23 of The Pokes & Jokes Podcast is one of our most open and important conversations to date.In this episode, Grace and Jen reflect on Grace’s recent trip to New Zealand — reconnecting with tattoo culture, trust, and what it feels like to be held in a tattoo space that feels genuinely safe. The conversation then turns to a much heavier topic: safeguarding, accountability, and the growing call for DBS checks within the tattoo industry.Grace speaks candidly about online abuse, intimidation, and what can happen when boundaries are set and not respected. It’s an honest discussion about power dynamics, safety, and why these conversations are long overdue.This episode contains sensitive subject matter, but it’s shared with care and intention.If you work in tattooing and have experiences you’d like to share — or if anything discussed resonates with you — our inbox is open. You can reach us confidentially at [email protected] also encourage you to check out Draw the Line Project, who are raising awareness and pushing for better safeguarding and accountability within the tattoo industry. And sign the petition! Links below.https://www.instagram.com/drawthelineproject/https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/747281?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnYJkISlsS1tiGTk8Px9VvY2jmgqP7dXdcLDilUSwqzCMrGmrMkdNAy8fQiSs_aem_-aj0mL2uLDAxC2pTZgDj8w💍 This episode is sponsored by @regalrose — deadly detailed jewellery with a dark & dreamy twist. Use code POKESANDJOKES_RR for 20% off → regalrose.co.ukChapters00:00 Intro & New Year energy02:30 New Zealand trip reflections04:10 Travel exhaustion & long flights04:45 Missed flight chaos in Doha07:25 Visa issues & airport meltdown08:55 Airport smoking area solidarity10:20 Returning home & emotional reset10:30 Reconnecting with tattoo culture11:00 Māori tattoo experience14:10 Feeling safe in a tattoo space15:40 Food, culture & healing moments19:05 Jet ski & “biscuit” chaos22:35 The blood-stained biscuit24:45 Jen’s comedy gigs & crowds27:45 Sponsor message – Regal Rose30:10 Trigger warning30:30 DBS checks explained32:40 Accountability in tattooing34:15 Safeguarding & power dynamics36:45 Why DBS checks are a starting point38:00 Past industry experiences39:40 Long-standing abusive behaviour42:50 Setting boundaries online46:05 Threatening messages & escalation49:40 Why this behaviour is frightening51:50 No one is exempt from abuse53:00 Why women don’t feel protected55:30 The need for real accountability57:00 Final thoughts & speaking out#PokesAndJokesPodcast #TattooPodcast #TattooIndustry #Safeguarding #DBSChecks #WomenInTattooing #CreativeIndustries #OnlineAbuse #TattooCommunity #UKPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.