A justice system that recognizes trauma, coercion, and survival should not permanently punish people for actions rooted in abuse, exploitation, or self‑defense. Our policy advances a clear, humane pathway to expungement for individuals whose non‑violent offenses were directly connected to domestic violence, trafficking, coercive control, or manipulative abuse—once their sentence is completed and the underlying circumstances are proven.  Many individuals carry criminal records for actions that were not rooted in criminal intent, but in survival. When offenses occur under coercion, manipulation, domestic violence, trafficking, or credible self‑defense, the justice system must recognize the full context. Our platform supports a trauma‑informed pathway to expungement that restores dignity, stability, and long‑term safety.

We advocate for expungement eligibility when a person’s non‑violent offense was directly connected to:

• Domestic violence or coercive control
• Human or labor trafficking
• Exploitation, manipulation, or psychological abuse
• Survival‑based actions taken under threat or fear
• Acts of self‑defense that resulted in criminal charges

When these circumstances are proven and the individual has completed their sentence (where applicable), they should not be permanently burdened by records tied to their victimization.

A fair expungement process must:

• Recognize the realities of grooming, coercion, and manipulation
• Accept evidence from counselors, advocates, medical professionals, and survivor‑support organizations
• Protect applicants from retraumatization during review
• Maintain confidentiality and dignity throughout the process

This approach ensures accountability without imposing lifelong punishment for trauma‑driven actions.

Expungement is a critical tool for rebuilding a life free from exploitation. Clearing survivor‑related records helps individuals:

• Access safe housing
• Secure employment and education
• Reduce vulnerability to further abuse
• Reclaim autonomy and long‑term stability

A justice system that understands trauma must also support healing.

We support legislation that allows individuals to clear their records when their offenses were:

• Non‑violent
• Committed under coercion, manipulation, or threat
• Directly linked to domestic violence, trafficking, exploitation, or survival situations
• Actions taken in self‑defense or under credible fear

This ensures survivors are not permanently burdened by records that stem from abuse rather than criminal intent.

We advocate for a review process that:

• Recognizes the realities of coercive control, grooming, and psychological manipulation
• Accepts evidence from counselors, advocates, medical professionals, and survivor‑support organizations
• Protects survivors from retraumatization during the process
• Ensures confidentiality and dignity throughout the review

For individuals who have completed their sentence, probation, or mandated programs, we support:

• A streamlined petition process
• Automatic eligibility reviews for qualifying cases
• Fee waivers to prevent financial barriers

Expungement is not just a legal remedy—it is a pathway to rebuilding a life. Clearing records for survivor‑related offenses:

• Expands access to safe housing
• Opens employment and education opportunities
• Reduces vulnerability to further exploitation
• Restores autonomy and long‑term stability

This policy does not excuse harm. It recognizes context. It ensures accountability is balanced with fairness, humanity, and an understanding of how exploitation shapes behavior. Survivors deserve a justice system that sees the full truth—not just the charge.