- J
My Story
My name is Selin Tavlan, and I’m raising funds to cover legal fees in an ongoing domestic-violence case involving my father. Growing up, I lived in constant fear. Several months ago, I discovered through public court records that my father had previously been charged with serious offenses — including drug-trafficking and RICO-related violations. Although those cases were later closed, their existence confirmed what I had always sensed: the violence in our home reflected a much larger pattern of harm. Determined to understand the truth, I began investigating on my own, reaching out to others who had also been exploited or deceived by him. I gathered documentation, contacted law enforcement, and compiled evidence — but nothing was done.
What Happened
While I still lived at home, my father made derogatory, racial, and sexualized comments about me in front of his friends. When I told my mother, she immediately told him. He became enraged and physically assaulted me. My mother ignored it — continuing to argue with him as if nothing had happened. That night, I packed everything I owned and left. My mother tried to stop me, calling me “dramatic” and “a victim,” until I begged her to let me go. She finally gave me $200 and a key to one of her Airbnbs. Soon after, I began receiving threatening messages from relatives warning me not to speak out. When I filed a protective order, my mother retaliated — changing the locks, cutting me off financially, and leaving me homeless.
The Aftermath
I bounced between Airbnbs, often in unsafe conditions. In one shared space, a man used the entry code to enter my room while I was sleeping. In another, the neighborhood was so dangerous that I barely slept at all. The stress and trauma broke my body down — I lost over 25 pounds because I could barely eat or keep food down. At one point, a kind older man I met while searching for housing helped me all day with applications — and passed away in his sleep that same night. That loss shattered me. It felt like every bit of stability I reached for disappeared overnight. Desperate, I called my mother for help. She screamed at me, accused me of things that weren’t true, and later used my vulnerability in court to protect my father. She forced me to take drug tests and told me I was “dead” to her.
Where I Am Now
Through all of this, I’ve kept studying for the LSAT — because my dream has always been to become a lawyer who protects others from people like him. I represented myself in court with a 235-page binder of evidence, while my father — a wealthy real estate investor — continues to fund top attorneys. My current lawyer requires a $9,000 retainer and ongoing monthly replenishment as the case moves toward trial. Without this funding, I cannot continue to protect myself or seek justice.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just my fight. It’s about holding an abuser accountable — one who has used money and intimidation to silence victims for years. I’m 23 years old, with no family support, standing up to a man who believes he’s untouchable. Every dollar donated will go directly toward legal fees, court costs, and case preparation. No amount is too small. Each contribution brings me one step closer to safety, justice, and freedom.
My Promise
This case represents more than survival — it represents precedent. If I win, others he has hurt may finally come forward. If I lose, he will continue the same cycle with impunity. Please help me continue this fight. Help me rebuild my life, finish law school, and create a future defined not by fear, but by courage. Thank you for standing with me.
In solidarity,
Selin Tavlan
My name is Selin Tavlan, and I’m raising funds to cover legal fees in an ongoing domestic-violence case involving my father. Growing up, I lived in constant fear. Several months ago, I discovered through public court records that my father had previously been charged with serious offenses — including drug-trafficking and RICO-related violations. Although those cases were later closed, their existence confirmed what I had always sensed: the violence in our home reflected a much larger pattern of harm. Determined to understand the truth, I began investigating on my own, reaching out to others who had also been exploited or deceived by him. I gathered documentation, contacted law enforcement, and compiled evidence — but nothing was done.
What Happened
While I still lived at home, my father made derogatory, racial, and sexualized comments about me in front of his friends. When I told my mother, she immediately told him. He became enraged and physically assaulted me. My mother ignored it — continuing to argue with him as if nothing had happened. That night, I packed everything I owned and left. My mother tried to stop me, calling me “dramatic” and “a victim,” until I begged her to let me go. She finally gave me $200 and a key to one of her Airbnbs. Soon after, I began receiving threatening messages from relatives warning me not to speak out. When I filed a protective order, my mother retaliated — changing the locks, cutting me off financially, and leaving me homeless.
The Aftermath
I bounced between Airbnbs, often in unsafe conditions. In one shared space, a man used the entry code to enter my room while I was sleeping. In another, the neighborhood was so dangerous that I barely slept at all. The stress and trauma broke my body down — I lost over 25 pounds because I could barely eat or keep food down. At one point, a kind older man I met while searching for housing helped me all day with applications — and passed away in his sleep that same night. That loss shattered me. It felt like every bit of stability I reached for disappeared overnight. Desperate, I called my mother for help. She screamed at me, accused me of things that weren’t true, and later used my vulnerability in court to protect my father. She forced me to take drug tests and told me I was “dead” to her.
Where I Am Now
Through all of this, I’ve kept studying for the LSAT — because my dream has always been to become a lawyer who protects others from people like him. I represented myself in court with a 235-page binder of evidence, while my father — a wealthy real estate investor — continues to fund top attorneys. My current lawyer requires a $9,000 retainer and ongoing monthly replenishment as the case moves toward trial. Without this funding, I cannot continue to protect myself or seek justice.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just my fight. It’s about holding an abuser accountable — one who has used money and intimidation to silence victims for years. I’m 23 years old, with no family support, standing up to a man who believes he’s untouchable. Every dollar donated will go directly toward legal fees, court costs, and case preparation. No amount is too small. Each contribution brings me one step closer to safety, justice, and freedom.
My Promise
This case represents more than survival — it represents precedent. If I win, others he has hurt may finally come forward. If I lose, he will continue the same cycle with impunity. Please help me continue this fight. Help me rebuild my life, finish law school, and create a future defined not by fear, but by courage. Thank you for standing with me.
In solidarity,
Selin Tavlan
Organizer
