The Hope Card for Domestic Violence Survivors
After the upheaval and disruption of domestic violence, survivors often feel jittery about their futures. The turmoil of violence can certainly lead to post traumatic stress, and with it all of the insecurities and fears one might expect. Recognizing as much, Floridians who’ve suffered domestic violence (DV) now have a new bit of legal protection: the Hope Card.
There are Plenty of DV Survivors Out There
Every minute, 32 people suffer violence at the hand of an intimate partner in this country. Here in Florida, between 70,000 to 110,000 cases of domestic violence are reported annually, making it a serious problem for the victims, their families, friends, and communities. Nearly 65,000 arrests related to DV occur, and emergency shelter is provided for more than 400,000 nights. Survivors—more than 10,000 of them– and their children seeking help have been the recipients of over 150,000 safety plans that are tailored to the situation. Advocates for DV survivors report that they assist just a fraction of the total number of people who suffer from domestic violence every day in Florida. In many cases, victims simply do not report the violence—out of fear, shame, or other limits to their ability.
New Support Available
Developed in 2024, the Hope Card Program offers another layer in the quest to protect survivors of domestic violence. For starters, free doorbell cameras are provided to survivors of human trafficking, DV, sexual violence, and stalking. These can be obtained through Project Protect at the County Clerk’s office in limited counties throughout Florida. Additionally, these individuals–who have a final injunction for protection (a protective order) due to stalking, sexual violence, and/or DV–the Hope Card can be obtained through the same County Clerk’s office where their protective order was filed. It’s quite simple to obtain, and it’s free. But what does it actually do?
Practical Help
The Hope Card is a wallet-sized and/or electronic card that contains the case number, date of an injunction, and expiration date (usually two years), and the DV hotline number. How does that help a domestic violence survivor? It’s one way to streamline services for survivors who find themselves in critical situations when law enforcement is called in. With just seconds, officers can have a clear picture of what is happening, who is involved, and what the general history is, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively.
Legal Protections Matter
The compassionate, dedicated Miami domestic violence attorneys at the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos understand the complexities of domestic violence, and are prepared to assist with the legal protections available to Florida residents. For a confidential consultation, contact our Miami office today.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/new-program-launched-in-florida-to-support-domestic-violence-survivors-florida-news-national-domestic-violence-awareness-month-october-22-2024
