Oregon NOW

National Organization for Women

Advocating for Women & Girls

Donate Join NOW

  • About
    • Newsletters
  • Issues
    • NOW Priority Issues
    • Model Student Dress Code
  • Get Involved
    • Join
    • Donate
  • News
  • Events
    • 2021 Oregon NOW Conference
    • 2019 Annual Conference
  • Endorsements
  • Chapters
    • Leaders
  • Merchandise Shop

January 7, 2019 by NOW National

Cyntoia Brown’s Clemency Doesn’t End Her Pursuit Of Justice

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s decision to grant full clemency to Cyntoia Brown was the right thing to do, but it doesn’t erase the injustice she endured.  The criminalization of the trauma she suffered as a victim of sex trafficking and abuse is reprehensible and unacceptable.

Cyntoia Brown was 16 when she was trafficked to a man who hit her, choked her, and dragged her across the floor.  When she thought he was reaching for a gun, the teenager shot her abuser. For this action, she was tried as an adult, then convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison – with the possibility of parole only after serving 51 years behind bars.

Tennessee’s parole board gave the governor a split recommendation, with some on the panel recommending early release and others suggesting she stay in prison until she was 69 years old.  Questions need to be asked about the state of justice in Tennessee, and how the legal system fails victims of abuse and trafficking like Cyntoia Brown.

Because of a PBS documentary and vocal support from high-profile celebrities who rallied to her cause, Cyntoia Brown’s case received plenty of attention in the public spotlight. However, countless other young women languish in prisons for similar reasons, without the benefit of superstar endorsement.  

Cyntoia Brown completed her GED and got a college degree while in prison, and she has said she hopes to start a nonprofit to pursue social justice issues.  Her dedication to this cause is inspiring, and her voice and experience will have a tremendous impact.

NOW applauds Gov. Haslam for listening to our demands – along with the demands of thousands of other advocates – to award Cyntoia Brown a full commutation. However, this story of injustice does not end in August when Cyntoia walks out of prison. The National Organization for Women, the people of Tennessee, and concerned citizens everywhere need to demand an end to the criminalization of trauma, especially towards women and girls of color. Only when we see an end to sex trafficking and violence against women and girls will justice be served.

Contact

NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669

About NOW National

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Get Oregon NOW Updates

Sign up here to receive updates from Oregon NOW!

Subscribe

Take Action

Endorsements (noworegon.org)

Attend an Event

Become a Oregon NOW Member

Learn More

Model Student Dress Code

Oregon NOW

Oregon NOW is the state chapter of the National Organization for Women. We work on behalf of NOW members in Oregon to achieve equality for all women and girls and to amplify the work of justice-seeking organizations.

Learn more about us.

Contact

Mailing Address
Oregon NOW
P.O. Box 14415
Portland, OR 97293

E-Mail
info@noworegon.org

Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Handcrafted with by Mapped Digital. NOW Chapter Websites Reinvented.