What is it? The Hope Card shrinks several pages of a protection order down to a two-sided, wallet-sized, quick-reference card for police. A protection order, often called a restraining order, is a judge’s order that an alleged abuser not go near his or her victim.
What’s on the card? One side has a photo of and information on the person who isn’t allowed to be around a domestic violence victim. The other side has victim information — such as the case number, other protected family members and dates the order is valid.
How will it help? The Hope Card should make it easier for police to enforce violations right away, since officers will be able to immediately identify the people involved.
Who can get one? Anyone who has a protection order lasting a year. Cards for shorter-term orders may be available later.
Where can a person get one? Applications are available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.idaho.gov. There is no cost to those who apply.
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