Lee County Clerk & Comptroller Kevin Karnes has implemented the Hope Card Program, a new statewide initiative designed to help domestic violence victims.

A Hope Card is a free digital or wallet-sized card for people who have been issued a final injunction for protection, commonly known as a restraining order. The card is used to assist law enforcement in verifying that a protective order is in place.

Through the statewide Hope Card program, anyone who has been issued a final injunction for protection against domestic violence, stalking, repeat violence, sexual violence, dating violence, or abuse or exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult can apply for a Hope Card with the Clerk of Court where the petition was originally filed. The Lee County Clerk’s office offers digital versions of the Hope Card.

“We are proud to be able to bring this service to Lee County to help protect victims of abuse and violence,” Clerk Karnes said. “The Hope Card will provide them with a clear and easily-accessible tool to show law enforcement that they have a final injunction for protection to help ensure their safety.”

Hope Cards will identify the name and birth date of the person protected by the court order, the name and birth date of the respondent, and certain information relating to the protective order such as the type and date the order expires. They will be valid for two years or until the injunction expires, whichever occurs first, but may be renewed if the injunction remains in effect.

The Hope Card program was created by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) organization in coordination with the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

To learn more about the Hope Card Program or to obtain a card, please visit www.leeclerk.org/DV.