Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP)

FVAP is the only organization in California dedicated to appealing cases on behalf of domestic violence survivors and their children. The organization focuses on cases that will set legal precedent in favor of survivors throughout the state of California so the law can do what it was meant to – keep families safe. The Problem: Decisions reached by trial courts in domestic violence cases are leaving survivors and their children in danger of ongoing abuse. At least half of batterers who frequently abuse their spouse also frequently abuse their children and one study found that abusers are granted custody in 54% of custody cases involving documented domestic violence. Many survivors in this situation, who may have had poor or no representation in the trial court, either do not know that they can appeal their cases or simply lack the financial resources to appeal. As a result there is little appellate precedent for trial courts to follow, and they are not rigorously enforcing key statutes designed to protect children from abusive parents. Moreover, while many nonprofits provide much-needed trial court representation to survivors of domestic violence, nothing is being done to help them at the appellate level. FVAP identifies cases that are likely to result in the appellate courts rendering decisions that advance the interests of domestic violence victims throughout California. FVAP’s experts work with pro bono attorneys from the private sector to provide the highest quality legal representation in briefing and arguing those cases to the appellate courts. In particular, FVAP focuses on cases in which survivors and their children are in danger of ongoing abuse.