Victim / Witness Assistance Program

An Information Guide for Victims and Witnesses of Crime (PDF Brochure)

HOPE Cards

HOPE Cards are laminated, wallet-sized, and compact and are intended as a more convenient way for people who have permanent Orders of Protection (12 months or more) to keep critical information about their orders with them at all times. 

The Hope Card lets law enforcement know that there is a valid, permanent Order of Protection in place.  In case of potential violation of an order, a law enforcement officer can refer to the HOPE Card for more information. 

  • A HOPE Card is not a substitute for an Order of Protection.
  • The card includes relevant information related to a valid, permanent Order of Protection.
  • It is small, durable, and can be easily carried in a wallet, pocket or purse.
  • HOPE Cards are not issued for temporarily Orders of Protection.

The HOPE Cards contain information about the person restrained under the order (called the respondent), and any children or other individuals who are protected under the order:

  • The respondent’s name, birth date, sex, race, eye and hair color, height, and weight.
  • The names and birth dates of any children or other individuals who are also protected under the order.

The back of the card provides information about the person names in the order, and any children or other individuals who are also protected under the order:

  • The protected person’s name, birth date, sex, race, and height.
  • The case number listed on the permanent Order of Protection, the issuing court and county, and date it was issued, and expiration date.

How to Request a HOPE Card

Hope Cards are available to anyone with a valid, permanent Order of Protection (12 months or more).  Cards are also available for any individual covered by the order.  You may request more than one card per individual if, for example, you wish to provide one to a child’s school and another to the child’s after-school care program.

  • HOPE Cards are not issued for temporary Orders of Protection.
  • HOPE Cards are available by application only and are FREE to protective order petitioners.

Applications are available online and in the Victim/Witness Assistance Program Office.  Once completed, HOPE Card applications must be returned to the Victim/Witness Assistance Office or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Clerk’s Office.

Mail Request:

  • You will need to refer to the Order of Protection as you fill out the request, so have a copy of the order with you before you begin.  Print the blank form and fill it out hand.
  • Mail the completed form to the address below.
  • HOPE Cards are mailed within approximately 10-14 business days.  If you do not receive your card within this period, use the contact information below to check on the status of your HOPE Card.

CONTACT

Estee Newbey-Howard

Victim/Witness Assistance Program

P.O. Box 432

Bowling Green, VA  22427

804-633-8037

Email