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Indiana is the third state in the nation to launch the Hope Card program which will help law enforcement quickly identify and take action against individuals who violate protective orders.
With the assistance of a $30,000 grant from the HopeLine from Verizon, Indiana will offer the Hope Cards free to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims who apply and meet the criteria. These cards will give police details on protective orders and prevent victims from having to carry their multi-page court order with them to show police if the perpetrator was in violation.
“Through this new statewide program, law enforcement will be able to use a victim’s wallet-sized Hope Card to obtain an immediate snapshot of the protective order,” Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller stated in a press release. “Ultimately, this will save the victim critical time and allow police to act more quickly against the abuser.”
The Hope Cards will include victim information and data on the abuser including his or her photo, sex, race, date of birth, height, weight and any identifying marks.
Indiana’s network of domestic violence service providers will be the front line for screening applicants and helping them apply for the cards. Only those under protective orders for domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking for a year or longer will be eligible to participate in the program.
The cards are available beginning Aug. 14. For more information, visit www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/hopecard/.
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