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Indiana tattoo parlor becomes 'Safe Place,' first of its kind

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. —An area tattoo studio is making history, becoming the first business of its kind in the country to receive a 'Safe Place' designation.

Usually the yellow signs hang in community centers or firehouses, designating a place where young people in any situation can go for help.

Rick Harlan, the owner of Tattoo Machine Gun, said he is honored to be making history and eager to become part of such a worthwhile program.

"It's a good feeling helping people, especially children. I'd like people to look at us more as a pillar of the community versus a leech on the community," Harlan, himself a father, said.

On Thursday, Harlan and his employees received training from Dalevina Lawson, the Safe Place coordinator in Clark County.

She explained of the program that began 32 years ago in Clark County, "If they have a problem, if they do not feel safe in their own environment, wherever that yellow-and-black sign is posted, that is a safe place for them to ask for help."

Lawson told the group, "Whatever the reason they're here for a Safe Place, we don't turn anyone away."

The idea to make Tattoo Machine Gun a Safe Place came from Detective Scottie Maples with the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

"I touched base with Safe Place and told them I had a potential site, it was a little unique- a tattoo shop," he recalled.

Lawson remembered, "I was like, 'Okay that sounds different. I think it might work.' I think kids would be more familiar, more willing to go into a tattoo parlor than a police department. Either way they're both sites it just depends what makes the kid comfortable."

Rick Harlan said he is eager to have the opportunity to serve the community in a different way.

"We'd like to be more than a tattoo studio, and I figure what better way then to to try and help the kids," he said.

Currently there are about 50 designated Safe Places in Clark County.

Detective Maples said in the months ahead he is hoping to add additional locations at other businesses not traditionally involved in the program.

Reprinted with permission
Story by Lauren Adams, WLKY 2

Rick is the son of Rick and Teresa Harlan of Morgantown

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