FVAP’s mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence and their children by helping them obtain effective appellate representation.
FVAP’s mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence and their children by helping them obtain effective appellate representation.
Our main program ensures 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for free; filing amicus (friend-of- the-court) briefs in cases of statewide importance; and requesting publication of unpublished cases to create binding legal precedent that benefits survivors in California and Washington state. We provide free training, legal support and technical assistance to shelters, domestic violence advocates, and attorneys representing survivors in trial court, including self-help legal tools and online training videos. This program bridges domestic violence and legal communities by training court personnel and attorneys on domestic violence issues, while training advocates on legal issues. In addition, we provide free on-call legal assistance and trainings to domestic violence advocates and attorneys representing survivors with employment and housing issues in California. The Housing Safety & 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. FVAP was co-founded by law students. We know students and young attorneys have the power and creativity to create real, systems-level change. We consistently work to cultivate the next generation of passionate domestic violence advocates.
FVAP seeks board members who are passionate about our mission to end gender-based violence, activated to lead efforts to raise visibility and funds for the organization, and brings a depth of knowledge and/or interest in supporting innovations in organizational advancements and creative governance models.
Candidates should join our board because FVAP is one of a kind; a standalone appellate legal aid organization is rare and our organization is defining the mold while also resourcing others allies, agencies, and communities to participate in the accountability and reform necessary to ensure gender-based violence survivors can get access to a version of justice that actualizes high standards of care by the systems meant to serve and protect us.