Use this hand signal for help if you're in danger
And know what to do if you spot it.
Show palm → Tuck thumb → Trap thumb. This simple hand gesture was initiated by the Canadian Women’s Foundation for domestic victims to use as a discreet way to call for help. Given how staying at home is encouraged as a safer option to combat the pandemic than staying outside is, this is not always the same case for violence.
Watch how the hand #SignalForHelp can be used by victims with limited access to call for help at home and unlimited threats to their safety.
This silent gesture has since been popularized on TikTok where platform users have been showing ways on how this can be useful outside video calls. News reports stated how a 16 year old girl, sitting beside her kidnapper and looking out the car window, was saved when she kept on using the signal until a motorist called 911.
Using the distress signal was the safest way she could call for help without putting herself in danger.
If you see someone using this signal, check in with them safely. One of the ways you can do is to ask or text them questions that can be answerable by “yes” or “no” to lessen the risk if someone else is listening. Know what support they need as not all signals will tell you to call for the police.
If you need to locate a health facility near you, you can use our Health Facility Locator. For rescue resources and contact numbers, see this list.
