Family Violence Appellate Project

Giving survivors a second chance at justice

While FVAP is open and our services continue to be available, as of March 9, 2020, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and FVAP staff, we are meeting with visitors only by appointment until further notice. Please call our office line at 510-858-7358 to make an appointment or if you have any questions.
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Our Programs

Appellate Courts

Our main program ensures California domestic violence laws keep survivors and children safe, by: representing survivors in appeals for free; filing amicus (friend-of- the-
court) briefs in cases of statewide importance; and requesting publication of unpublished cases to create binding legal precedent that benefits survivors statewide.

Legal Support

We provide free training, legal support and technical assistance to shelters, DV advocates, and attorneys representing survivors in trial court, including self-help legal tools and online training videos. This program bridges the California DV and legal communities by training court personnel and attorneys on DV issues, while training DV advocates on legal issues.

Housing & Employment

We provide free on-call legal assistance and trainings to domestic violence advocates and attorneys representing survivors with employment and housing issues. The Housing & Employment Justice program bridges the gap between legal service providers and domestic violence advocates who are assisting survivors to secure and maintain safe housing and employment.

Next Generation

FVAP was co-founded by law students. We know students and young attorneys have the power and creativity to create real, systems-level change. From interns to our New Leadership Council, we consistently work to cultivate the next generation of passionate domestic violence advocates.