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Family Violence Appellate Project

Giving survivors a second chance at justice

Giving survivors a second chance at justice Donate




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What We Do

When there is nowhere else to turn, we’re here to help.

FVAP is dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors and their children appeal dangerous trial court decisions on their behalf, for free, and serves Californians statewide. We help survivors of abuse get the safety and justice they deserve.

Problem

Trial court decisions are leaving survivors and their children at risk of ongoing abuse. In custody cases involving documented incidents of domestic violence, the abusive parent is granted custody up to 54% of the time.

Solution

FVAP appeals and overturns these dangerous trial court decisions. Our goal is to empower survivors through the civil court system, and make sure survivors and their kids can live in safe, healthy environments, free from abuse.

Strategy

By working at the appellate-court level, each of FVAP’s published cases helps not just one survivor, but also becomes binding legal precedent that helps countless other survivors. We make sure domestic violence laws do what they’re supposed to do — keep survivors and kids safe.

Can FVAP Help You?


  1. I have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking or stalking.
  2. I have a family court or civil court order I want to appeal, or I am defending against an appeal.
  3. The order I want to appeal was issued by a California court, and is less than 6 months old.

FVAP handles appeals of family or civil court orders. This means if you get an order from one of these courts that you disagree with, you can contact us and we will review the order and let you know if we can help you appeal it.

Do you meet all three requirements?

  • Yes
    • California Family Law
    • California Housing
No, but I still need help

We don’t take walk ins or do in person meetings. Please contact us by phone or email. In California call (510) 380-6243 or email info@fvaplaw.org.

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California Office
Helpline: (510) 380-6243
Business line: (510) 858-7358
Email: info@fvaplaw.org

Washington Office Closed Effective January 25, 2025

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We serve everyone regardless of immigration status. No rechazamos el servicio basado en el estado de inmigración. 無論您的移民身份如何,我們都將為您服務.

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We don’t take walk ins or do in person meetings. Please contact us by phone or email. In California call (510) 380-6243 or email info@fvaplaw.org.
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