FVAP stands in solidarity with individuals and families who are experiencing harm and displacement in the wake of violent and fatal incidents at the hands of ICE enforcement actions. Every person, regardless of status, deserves dignity, due process, and protection under the law. When lives are lost and communities are terrorized, it is an utter failure of the systems meant to safeguard human rights and public safety. Our mission is rooted in the belief that justice must be accessible, accountable, and humane. We refuse to look away or remain silent in moments that demand moral clarity and swift action by those in power to effectuate change. FVAP will continue to advocate for a legal system that upholds fairness, transparency, and the fundamental principle that justice belongs to all.

Further, justice cannot exist when people are afraid to enter a courtroom to seek protection, report abuse, or exercise their legal rights. That is why FVAP is proud to co-sponsor a California state bill that would require courts to allow remote access to the courts to minimize potential contact with ICE in courthouses. Keep reading to learn how you can support the Keep Courts Safe from ICE Act and ensure survivors can safely access the courts. 

With Resolve,
Deborah Son
Executive Director

FVAP is happy to announce that Damali Taylor has joined our Board of Directors starting this month! Her first term will run through February 2029.

Damali Taylor is a Partner at O'Melveny & Myers, LLP, where she advises clients on a range of civil litigation, as well as white collar matters, including criminal, internal, and regulatory investigations. She is a skilled trial lawyer, and former federal (and state) prosecutor, and former chair of the San Francisco Police Commission. Damali spent much of her career in public service advocating for survivors of violence and is thrilled to join the FVAP Board to help advance its commitment to that important work.

Why this case is important:

(Read the case summary and full case alert)

Battle of the Bands is FVAP’s annual fundraiser held in San Francisco. Bands from Californian law firms and corporate legal teams compete for the title of Best Lawyer Band in The Bay—and, more importantly, to support survivors of domestic violence. 

While the competition is spirited, the mission is shared. The event raises critical funds for FVAP, the only nonprofit in California dedicated primarily to providing free appellate legal services to domestic violence survivors facing dangerous trial court decisions that put them or their kids at continued risk.

Applications are now open for bands interested in performing at this year’s fundraiser. A select number of bands will be chosen. Submit your application by Friday, April 25, 2026, to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to review the rules and requirements prior to applying to understand eligibility and selection criteria.

Back in October, we reported on FVAP’s work with partner agencies to increase remote access to the courts, particularly in light of the increased violence from federal ICE and DHS agents throughout the country. State Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) has introduced a bill to require California state courts to allow a party or witness to appear remotely at a civil or criminal court hearing, trial, or conference through January 31, 2029.

Rubio’s bill, the Keep Courts Safe from ICE Act, is designed to minimize altercations, save taxpayer money, and reduce fear and barriers to participation by ensuring that people who want to appear, testify, or support loved ones in court are not forced into situations where they feel unsafe. “We are responding to real fear in our communities — fear fueled by incidents like the deadly Minnesota shooting and other aggressive enforcement operations,” Rubio said.

If you are interested in supporting the passage of this bill, you can download a letter of support here to send to Senator Rubio. If you are interested in testifying in support of the bill, please contact Cory Hernandez (chernandez@fvaplaw.org) and we will pass your information on to the Senator’s office.

It’s been a big month for new faces, as we welcome our spring 2026 law clerks into the FVAP fold!

Angela is a second year law student at The Colleges of Law, with an interest and commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence. In addition to being a law student, Angela works as a Legal Assistant at a immigration law firm handling complex Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and U-Visa cases. Angela brings her own personal experience to this work having represented herself in California family court for more than 2 years as she and her children survived an abusive marriage. She has used her experience to help advocate for survivors including campaigning for Piqui's Law and getting the City of Los Angeles to declare November Family Court Awareness Month. A native Spanish speaker, Angela has her Bachelor's in Media Arts from University of Arizona and has been a media director and commercial photographer. Angela is also a former professional tennis player.

Hatchly is a 3L at UC Irvine School of Law with a commitment and interest in working with survivors of domestic violence and underrepresented communities. Hatchly has previously clerked with the family law unit at Community Legal Aid SoCal on survivors' family law cases. She has also clerked and volunteered with Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Disability Rights Mississippi, Kids in Need of Defense and Legal Aid at Work. In law school, she was a clinic student for the International Justice Clinic. A native Spanish speaker, Hatchly has a B.A. in Political Science and Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego. Her interests include birds and she has two cockatiels.

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.