New York, NY, Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) commends the New York State Court System for establishing the Hope Card program. Hope Cards are physical, wallet-sized cards and digital images for cell phones that contain readily accessible information on orders of protection for victims to share with law enforcement and other emergency personnel, and at other locations.

The Hope Card initiative will assist survivors of domestic violence and other crimes by providing a portable version of a final order of protection. Hope Cards will provide victims with a more efficient method for sharing critical information to ensure their safety. Hope Cards will have the same legal effect as paper orders of protection.

WBASNY is proud that the New York State’s Court System has enacted this initiative to alleviate the burden on domestic violence victims and their families regarding orders of protection. It is anticipated that Hope Cards will make victims feel more in control and less vulnerable.

Requests for a Hope Card 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. You can find the form at https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/forms/hopecard/hope-card-request-2024-fillable-new.pdf. For more information about Hope Cards and who can request them, visit NYCourtHelp at https://www.nycourts.gov/CourtHelp/Safety/hope-cards.shtml and the Hope Card frequently asked questions webpage at: https://hope.nycourts.gov/FAQ.