Governor Greg Abbott today established a customized clemency
application specifically for survivors of human trafficking or domestic
violence in coordination with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
(BPP). The application will include a section that affords the applicant
an opportunity to provide a statement to BPP about their human
trafficking or domestic violence victimization.
Human trafficking and domestic violence often lead victims down a
path of offenses that entraps them in a vicious cycle of abuse and
associated crime. This announcement coincides with the launch of a new
public awareness campaign that educates survivors that they can submit
an application for BPP to review and consider recommending to the
Governor for a full pardon for crimes committed while under the grips of
a trafficker or an abusive partner.
"Texas is committed to empowering the survivors of domestic abuse and
human trafficking, and one of the surest signals of that goal is laying
out a true path to redemption and restoration," said Governor Abbott.
"The gubernatorial pardon plays an important role in this redemption
process, because it offers a second chance to survivors with criminal
convictions resulting from their abuse or exploitation. I am grateful
for our ongoing partnership with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
as we work together to develop a stronger justice system that promotes
redemption, restoration, and transformation."