SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of domestic violence will now have an easier and more convenient way to prove they’re under an order of protection under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) signed Friday.

“We must do all we can to protect survivors of domestic violence and provide them with the peace of mind that they are safe,” Morrison said. “Part of helping them should be making that protection convenient and easily documented.”

Under the new law, survivors of domestic violence who have an order of protection would be granted a “Hope Card” to carry as official documentation of the order. The driver’s license-sized, laminated card could be shown to people who may need to be aware of the order in an easier and more convenient way than traditional paper copies. 

The new law requires the Illinois Supreme Court to implement the Hope Card program for any person under a preliminary order of protection. The card will contain a photograph, case number, active dates of the order of protection and other pertinent information. Survivors will be able to get multiple copies to pass out to coworkers, teachers and administrators at a child’s school, or anyone else who might need to be aware of the order of protection.

“The Hope Card will equip survivors with a much easier way to communicate their situation with others and help them feel safer,” Morrison said.

House Bill 3485 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.