VIDEO: Attorney General Moody Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with New Florida Hope Card Program

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today is recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urging survivors to apply for a new tool that provides an additional layer of legal protection. Florida's Hope Card Program is now in effect to offer survivors digital or physical wallet-sized cards that serve as proof of a valid protective order. The Hope Cards provide cardholders with immediate verification of a final injunction of protection and access to additional support resources.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Florida's new Hope Card Program is now up and running to serve those who have been victimized by an intimate partner. Domestic violence is a terrible crime, and we want to help survivors feel more secure. These new cards streamline the process for survivors of domestic violence when interacting with law enforcement and may prove to be crucial-especially in emergency situations."

During the 2024 legislative session, state lawmakers passed Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protections, requiring the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers to develop and implement the Hope Card Program in Florida. Now, anyone who is issued a final injunction for protection against domestic violence, stalking, repeat violence, sexual violence or abuse or exploitation can apply for a Hope Card at the Florida Clerk of Court office where the petition was originally filed.

Hope Cards act as official proof of a valid protective order in domestic violence, stalking and abuse cases. These digital or wallet-sized cards simplify the process for authorities to verify the existence of an injunction, ensuring quicker law enforcement responses, enhanced protection and accessible support for the cardholders.

To apply for a Hope Card or to learn more about the program, click here.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 32 people every minute experience violence from an intimate partner in the U.S. based on annualized report results. Women are overwhelmingly more abused than men on average. Nearly 50% of U.S. women will face physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2022, 68,109 domestic violence offenses were committed in the state, the most recorded in a single calendar year.

Victims of domestic violence may also be eligible for Attorney General Moody's Project Protect program. Last year, Attorney General Moody, Florida county clerks and Florida law enforcement officials launched Project Protect, a pilot program that provides doorbell cameras to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual violence free of charge.

Victims can apply for a doorbell camera through Project Protect at a local Clerk of Court office. So far, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee and Martin counties are participating in Project Protect.

Floridians suffering in a domestic violence situation should call law enforcement or the state's domestic violence hotline at 1(800) 500-1119.

Anyone can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1(800) 799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788 for assistance.

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