ECPAT-USA Joins Movement Calling For Pardon Of Survivor Sara Kruzan
Sara Kruzan is a survivor advocate working for years on behalf of child survivors in the legal system. Sara was 11 when she was first exploited and subjected to years of endless sexual abuse and violence. Although she was only 16 at the time, she was tried as an adult and convicted to life in prison for killing her trafficker and served 20 years until Governor Schwarzenegger commuted her sentence in 2013. She has since inspired legislation across the country that would reform juvenile sentencing known as “Sara’s Law.”
While her sentence was commuted, Sara’s conviction remains on her record. Her supporters, including our partners at Rights4Girls are organizing a campaign calling for a full pardon.
You can help by sending a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to issue Sara a full pardon. A sample letter that you can personalize is below, and it can be sent to pardons@gov.ca.gov.
————
Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10th St., Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
March ____, 2022
RE: Request for Pardon for Child Trafficking Survivor & Advocate, Sara Kruzan
Dear Governor Newsom,
We write to unequivocally support the petition for pardon for Sara Kruzan, a dedicated advocate and survivor leader. Sara was convicted at the age of 16 for killing the person who had abused, assaulted, and sexually trafficked her from the age of 11. Rather than treating her as a victim of crime and recognizing the immense trauma she had experienced, the court sentenced her to life in prison and she served nearly 20 years. Although her sentence was ultimately commuted by Governor Schwarzenegger and she was released in 2013, Sara continues to suffer the consequences of a murder conviction that she should have never received. Only a full pardon will allow Sara to move past the barriers she continues to face and truly live freely.
Despite what she had experienced before her incarceration, Sara made the most of her time behind bars, earning a degree, mentoring other incarcerated people, as well as community members. In 2013, she walked out as a compassionate leader ready to serve her community. She has mentored survivors within the anti-human trafficking movement and used her own painful experiences to advocate for justice for others, including children, who have been accused of serious crimes that are directly related to trauma and abuse they have experienced. She has been a thought partner for many leaders seeking a more just world for survivors, including her work breaking ground on Sara’s Law, which aims to prevent life sentences for children. She also has a book coming out in 2022, which details her experience and her path forward.
But even with all of these incredible accomplishments and a reputation as a pivotal leader, Sara is still shackled by a murder conviction from nearly 30 years ago. Jobs, housing, and many opportunities will always be out of reach for Sara and consequently, for her young daughter who she is raising as a single mom. Additionally, her leadership, advocacy, and ability to contribute more broadly to society are being stifled.
Since Sara’s conviction and sentencing, we, as a society, have transformed our understanding of trauma and the dynamics of trafficking. We now recognize those with Sara’s experience as victims of child abuse and commercial sexual exploitation. There are both federal and state laws dedicated to stopping the trafficking of children and preventing victims from being criminalized for what has happened to them. Sara is a prime example of who these laws are meant to protect.
Sara has demonstrated her commitment and value to the community. She deserves a clean slate. A pardon will give her the opportunity to continue to flourish and thrive, not only for herself and her family but for society more broadly. Therefore, without reservation, we request a full pardon.