New York launches Hope Cards for domestic violence survivors

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York's Office of Court Administration launched the Hope Card program on Monday, aiming to boost safety for domestic violence survivors. It offers free, wallet-sized cards that summarize an order of protection.

Anyone protected by a final order of protection can request a Hope Card, no matter if it was issued in a family, matrimonial, or criminal case. The discreet, durable, laminated card summarizes the order, the respondent, and any others covered—including companion animals—and links to a QR code with the full document.

These cards let survivors easily carry and share their order details, whether at work, at school, or with law enforcement. Survivors can show the card to the police, who can verify the order in their system. There's not supposed to be a limit on the number of cards, either, according to the bill behind the program.

Hope Cards come in two forms: physical cards or digital copies sent by text or email. Both versions have the same legal standing as the original paper order. You can request a card online or submit a paper form at any criminal, family, or supreme court. Lawyers, advocates, or guardians can make the request on behalf of minors or others in need.

New York was the sixth state to launch this program, joining Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Montana, and Virginia. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S5935/A5040, the "Hope Card Act," in October 2023.

"Hope Cards create a path for survivors to discreetly and quickly share pertinent details of an order of protection by issuing copies of a more convenient and usable version along with the traditional long form," said Assemblymember Sarah Clark, who represents a district surrounding Rochester and sponsored the bill. "Hope Cards will give survivors of domestic violence more control to effectively enforce their orders of protection and live their lives in safety and confidence."