New York, August 7 (RHC)-- Sex trafficking survivor Cyntoia Brown has been released from prison after serving 15 years behind bars for killing a man who sexually assaulted her, in what she said was an act of self-defense. 

The shooting happened when she was just 16, but she was tried as an adult.  Cyntoia Brown was convicted to life in prison for first-degree murder despite being trafficked and repeatedly sexually abused and drugged. 

Cyntoia Brown was granted full clemency by Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam in January after widespread outrage and a high-profile campaign calling for her release.  Upon her release -- after 15 years -- Cyntoia Brown said she was looking forward to “helping other women and girls suffering abuse and exploitation.”