But for me, the obsession with tattooed women’s bodies – whether it’s ostensibly ‘complimentary’ or judgemental and stereotyping – comes down to one thing: ownership.

Obviously, street harassment happens to most women, regardless of whether they have tattoos or not, and I’m not claiming some special oppression simply because of the way I choose to present myself to the world.

But the way men respond to tattooed women does speak to a wider problem with perceived ownership of women’s bodies. Touching someone’s body without their consent indicates that you feel some right to it; that you don’t understand – or, worse, choose to ignore – the idea that the person it belongs to may have some autonomy of their own.

Imploring strangers not to get tattoos or telling them that they’ve ‘ruined’ their bodies may seem like the antithesis of this, but comes from the same place – the idea that women’s bodies are public property, available to touch, comment upon and judge whenever you choose.

I spend my time and money adding to my collection of tattoos because I like the way they look – and, yes, I like getting compliments on them, as long as they’re respectful and, most importantly, nobody touches me at any given point.

It shouldn’t need saying, but the fact I’m tattooed is not an invitation to harass me; nor is it an opportunity to comment on the way that I look. My tattoos are for me – and so is my body.

Images: Timothy Paul Smith / Unsplash / Emily Reynolds

"Stop 'tat-calling' women – our tattoos aren't for you"