When survivors can’t afford a private court reporter, they are often left without a record of their hearing—making appeals nearly impossible. That’s why FVAP, alongside our legal partners, filed a groundbreaking lawsuit challenging California’s ban on electronic recording in most civil cases when no court reporter is available.

Thanks to overwhelming support—including nine powerful amicus briefs—the California Supreme Court has agreed to hear our case! This is a major step toward ensuring fair access to justice.

Learn more: fvaplaw.org/court-reporter-shortage/

Thanks to FVAP’s legislative advocacy of SB 1015 (Eggman, 2024), survivors of abuse now have stronger housing rights in California. The new updated laws:

Protect survivors from housing discrimination—landlords can no longer refuse to rent to someone because they or a family member experienced abuse.
Expand survivors’ rights to change locks—more survivors can now request a lock change, and landlords must cover the cost.

Need to assert your rights? Find helpful resources, including information sheets and template letters, here:

Survivors’ Rights When Applying for Housing

Lock Changes for Survivors in California

In case you missed it, FVAP made the difficult decision to sunset our Washington office earlier this year. As we close this chapter, we do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together. In a powerful testament to our impact, one of our final Washington cases resulted in a critical victory for survivors—reinforcing the lasting legacy of our work.

Though our Washington office has sunsetted, the protections we helped establish will continue to benefit survivors for years to come. This is not an ending, but the fortification that FVAP's service model is effective, survivor needs are still significant, and that the strongest ability toward change cannot happen without action. FVAP embraces this commitment. Our work continues, and will not cease until we have built the bridge for all survivors to access justice. 

Thank you for standing with us—your support has made all the difference, and we look forward to the future we will build together.

Do you (or someone you know) have a passion for event planning, marketing, and project management? Are you committed to ending domestic violence? FVAP is looking for a

Development and Grants Coordinator to help drive our mission forward.

Learn more and apply today at FVAP's Job Portal

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