Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Tours the Nation\u2019s First Safe House for Male Survivors of Human Trafficking<\/p>\n Governor Greg Abbott today attended the grand opening of Bob\u2019s House of Hope and toured the nation\u2019s first safe house exclusively for male survivors of human trafficking.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Texas leads America in combating human trafficking and child sex trafficking,” said Governor Abbott. “Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope provide a beacon of hope for victims in need, creating a model of care that truly can be replicated across the entire country. Together, we will remove traffickers from our streets and provide every brave young survivor the hope they need to reclaim their future.”<\/p>\n During his remarks, Governor\u00a0Abbott highlighted Texas\u2019\u00a0aggressive efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen protections for survivors. The Governor pointed to\u00a0recent laws he signed that raise<\/a>d<\/a>\u00a0the penalty<\/a>\u00a0for all human trafficking offenses to a first-degree felony, eliminate<\/a>d<\/a>\u00a0parole<\/a>\u00a0for traffickers who target children or disabled individuals, and expand tools for law enforcement and prosecutors. These measures ensure traffickers face tougher consequences while survivors receive\u00a0the protection and support they deserve.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Governor was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Founder & CEO of Bob\u2019s House of Hope and Ranch Hand Rescue Bob Williams, Congressman Brandon Gill, Senator Tan Parker, State Representative Ben Bumgarner, Representative Mitch Little, Representative Richard Hayes, Representative Andy Hopper, Denton County Judge Andy Eads, Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, COO of Bob\u2019s House of Hope Landon Dickeson, CEO of Journey to Dream Nesa Grider, Former Secretary of State Jane Nelson, and other anti-human trafficking advocates.<\/p>\n Bob\u2019s House of Hope provides a secure residential environment, trauma-informed care, and support services tailored to adult male survivors. The facility fills a critical gap in the national response to commercial sexual exploitation and strengthens Texas\u2019 efforts to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.<\/p>\n