Ft Worth Times

The Dallas Morning News has been applauding the efforts of Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials to provide clemency to sex trafficking victims who committed crimes during their victimization.

In the most recent of a series of editorials in which the news organization encouraged using "the power of clemency to put the fight against sex trafficking," the Dallas Morning News also described the launch of a statewide initiative to join with the state's efforts.

The initiative, the Survivors' Project, helps provide pro bono legal assistance to trafficking survivors who embark on the clemency application process. The project's 30 partners include SAFE Alliance in Austin, the University of Texas Domestic Violence Clinic and POETIC in Dallas.

"The goal of the Survivors' Project is straightforward: Provide free legal advice and assistance to any survivor interested in applying for clemency," the newspaper said.

The editorial series began on Human Trafficking Awareness Day in January when the news outlet "applauded Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to pardon Robbie Ann Hamilton, a North Dallas sex trafficking survivor turned advocate, who committed nonviolent crimes decades ago," the latest editorial said.

The news organization said Abbott's actions were, in no small way, a victory for all survivors who’ve tirelessly advocated for healing, justice and understanding.

The newspaper also praised Abbott's "important step toward justice for trafficking victims" in coordinating with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to customize a clemency application for human trafficking and domestic violence survivors.

"We had previously argued that such a process should be created and were encouraged see that under the new protocol, Texas inmates and those seeking clemency can cite their experiences as victims of sex trafficking, coercion and violence when requesting relief from the BPP," the latest editorial said.