Speaker: Thao Weldy, Development Director
What interests you most about FVAP?
Thao Weldy: As a non-attorney, several things strike me as unique about the Family Violence Appellate Project. First, we leverage the resources and expertise of private law firms and law schools to help end domestic violence. In 2023 alone, volunteers donated 9,638 hours of pro bono legal services on behalf of survivors across California and Washington. By tapping into this extensive volunteer network, we're able to extend the reach of our legal aid to more survivors without significantly increasing operational costs. The Family Violence Appellate Project is also the first and only organization in these states dedicated solely to appealing dangerous trial court decisions for domestic violence survivors. Our services are trauma-informed, designed to empower and engage survivors while navigating a legal system that is often neither empowering nor accessible.
What are the critical results you expect from FVAP?
Thao Weldy: The most rewarding part of working with the Family Violence Appellate Project is knowing that our collective efforts--of staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners--are making a real, immediate impact on the lives of survivors. Not only are we saving lives today, we're also contributing to the creation of case law that does not happen automatically. Together and with your support, we are actively pursuing legal protections for survivors and their children for generations to come.
