Pictured: Samantha S. Low, Ming Chen, Mariya Pamnani, Nora Puckett, Deborah Son, Scott Johnston, Keisha Wright, Jose Ramos, Jr., Michelle Osborne

FVAP’s Board held its annual in-person retreat on October 14, a valuable opportunity to come together, reconnect with the heart of FVAP’s mission, and reflect on how to strengthen our work in an increasingly challenging environment for nonprofits.

A central theme of our discussion was how we communicate FVAP’s impact to the public — survivors, attorneys, courts, partners, and donors. As Board members, we have a front-row view of the organization’s accomplishments: the appellate victories that change the law and set precedent protecting survivors; the trainings FVAP provides to family law attorneys, judges, and survivors; and the day-to-day work that drives systemic change across California. We also recognize that many outside our immediate circle may not fully understand the breadth of FVAP’s impact — and that sharing this story is essential to expanding our reach.

The retreat gave us space to think creatively and collaboratively about broadening awareness of FVAP’s work so more people can join us in advancing justice for survivors. We left energized, aligned, and excited for what lies ahead — deeply committed to ensuring that FVAP’s mission continues to resonate, grow, and deliver meaningful change.

As you read on, we hope you’ll feel the same sense of momentum we carried out of the retreat — and see the many ways your partnership fuels lasting change for survivors across California.

“Each year, I sit down to write this letter and find myself overwhelmed—not by the weight of the work ahead, but by the awe I feel for what we’ve accomplished together.

Amid a climate of political uncertainty and shrinking public resources, FVAP stood steadfast. We argued and won appeals that are changing how the courts understand domestic violence. We partnered with allies to advance legislation that addresses the deep inequities survivors face, particularly those in marginalized communities. And we trained hundreds of attorneys, providers, and advocates—spreading the impact of our work far beyond the courtroom.”

-From Deborah Son, FVAP Executive Director. 

Read the full report to explore the appellate wins, legislative advances, and survivor-focused initiatives you helped make possible.

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2! This global day of generosity inspires people everywhere to support the causes they care about. In 2024 alone, more than 36 million people in the U.S. came together to give over $3.6 billion to organizations doing meaningful work.

It’s also one of the best days of the year to maximize the impact of your gift. Many companies match employee donations – and some offer enhanced matching on Giving Tuesday. Check your company’s matching policy here and submit your match before the end of 2025 to double your impact. If you need help, please email us – we’re happy to assist!

As we close out the year, FVAP relies on the generosity of donors like you to continue our life-saving work and making sure that justice happens the first time. Our most dedicated supporters join the Sustainers Circle, giving monthly or quarterly to provide consistent reliable funding. This ongoing support allows FVAP to focus on serving survivors, not fundraising.

While major gifts often get attention, smaller consistent donations are just as essential – and they add up! If you haven’t signed up for a monthly donation, you can do that here [link], and if you already have, please consider increasing your gift by $5 or $10 for the new year.

What your gift can do:

Right now, nonprofits across California are experiencing major declines in giving. By joining FVAP’s Sustainers Circle and making your donation a recurring one, you can make a powerful, lasting impact.

Sustainers give monthly or weekly, helping ensure survivors have consistent access to legal protection—regardless of income. Your ongoing support gives FVAP a reliable funding stream, so we can focus more on serving survivors and less on fundraising.

If you aren't already, join the Sustainers Circle today and stand with us year-round.

In 2023, FVAP expanded its core appellate advocacy model to create the Lifeline to Justice Program, focused on increasing the accessibility of appellate-level writ review for survivors in California. 

A writ petition is an emergency request for the appellate court to intervene in a case and command the trial court to either do something or stop doing something that’s legally erroneous and harmful. 

Writs for survivors are vital because writs are designed for limited extraordinary circumstances where a survivor has no other way to challenge a wrongful trial court order, something that happens frequently and can put a survivor at risk of irreparable harm. However, because writs are an emergency remedy, the standard for a successful writ is discretionary, and the appellate court can deny relief without any explanation. Writs also operate on an expedited timeline and are often inaccessible to survivors because they are complicated to pursue. 

Lifeline to Justice breaks down these barriers, building on FVAP’s existing models of direct representation, community collaboration and education, and free resources. The program empowers survivors to pursue writ petitions confidently and provides access across California . 

Special thanks to Equal Justice Works, Greenberg Traurig, LLP and The Clorox Company Foundation for providing the initial fellowship to start this ongoing project.

It’s official—our 2026 date is set! Join us for Battle of the Bands, an electrifying night of music and community in support of the Family Violence Appellate Project. Mark your calendars for June 25, 2026, and stay tuned for more details!