A new initiative has been launched by the New York State Unified Court System designed to further enhance the safety of domestic violence survivors and crime victims generally.
A Hope Card is a portable version and/or summary of an order of protection. Parties with final orders of protection may request and receive, free of cost, a physical HopeCard, a digital Hope Card, or both, which they can carry in their wallet, pocket, or cell phone. A physical Hope Card is a durable, wallet-sized card with a summary of the information on the order of protection and a QR code link to a digital image of the order. A digital Hope Card is a digital image of the order. Physical Hope Cards are sent to the protected party by mail, while digital Hope Cards are sent to the protected party by email or text message, with a secure link to the digital image. Due to this initiative, protected parties can readily provide critical information regarding their orders of protection quickly and effectively to law enforcement in an emergency. Hope Cards also enable protected parties to easily share the details of their order of protection with their school, workplace, family, neighbors, or anyone they choose.
“Hope Cards are a discreet, convenient way to share essential details in effectuating enforcement of a final order of protection. They serve as a handy reference tool, bringing greater safety and dignity to survivors and bolstering confidence in the court process,” said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas. “I commend the Legislature and governor for their efforts leading to the rollout of this critical program—which prioritizes survivors security and well-being—and am grateful to our law enforcement and justice partners across the State whose work is integral to the program’s success.”
“A survivor should not have to stress about providing proof of an order of protection or have to relive their case each time they speak to law enforcement. The Hope Card is a testament to New York’s commitment to serving survivors and victims in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive way. It’s a small card with the ability to make a big impact, empowering survivors to take control and ensure orders of protection are enforced. Thank you, Governor Hochul and the Legislature, for passing the Hope Card Act, and thank you OCA for making it a reality,” said New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens.
A Hope Card request can be made online at https://hope.nycourts.gov or by filing a Hope Card Request (UCS-HCR1) form with the court clerk’s office at any Criminal, Family, or Supreme court. Hope Card Request forms are available online or at a criminal, family, or supreme courthouse. For more information about Hope Cards and who can request them, visit NY Court Help at https://www.nycourts.gov/CourtHelp/Safety/hope-cards.shtml and the Hope Card frequently asked questions webpage at https://hope.nycourts.gov/FAQ.
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