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Signal for Help

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Instructions for the Signal for Help

The Signal for Help (or the Violence at Home Signal for Help) is a single-handed gesture that can be used by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call, or in-person.[1] It was originally created as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence cases around the world[2] as a result of the self-isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The signal is performed by holding your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then folding your fingers down, symbolically trapping your thumb in your fingers.[3] It was intentionally designed as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, that could be made easily visible.

File:Signal for Help.png

The Signal for Help was first introduced in Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation on April 14, 2020,[4] and on April 28, 2020 in the United States by the Women's Funding Network (WFN). It received widespread praise from local,[5] national,[6] and international[7] news organizations for helping provide a modern solution to the issue of a rise in domestic violence cases.

The signal has been recognized by over 40 organizations across Canada and the United States as a useful tool to help combat domestic violence.[8]

Addressing concerns that abusers may become aware of such a widespread online initiative, the Canadian Women's Foundation and other organizations clarified that this signal is not "something that's going to save the day," but rather a tool someone could use to get help.[9]

Instructions for what to do if an individual sees the signal, and how to check-in safely, were also created.[10][11]

References

  1. ^ Brooke, Bobb (April 28, 2020). ""Signal for Help" Is a New Tool for Abuse Victims During the Coronavirus Lockdown and Beyond". Vogue. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  2. ^ Graham-Harrison, Emma; Smith, Helena; Ford, Liz (March 28, 2020). "Lockdowns around the world bring rise in domestic violence". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  3. ^ Nadia, Ebrahim (April 22, 2020). "This Secret Signal Could Help Women In Lockdown With Their Abusers". Refinery29. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Signal for Help Campaign Launches to Help People Experiencing Gender-Based Violence During Home Isolation". McGill. April 14, 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Self-Isolation Is Fuelling a Rise in Gender-Based Violence". Elle Canada. April 14, 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  6. ^ Alexandra, Jardine (May 4, 2020). "This simple hand signal sends an alert about domestic abuse during the coronavirus crisis". AdAge. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  7. ^ Midori, Aoki (April 20, 2020). "『家にとどまって』 ～その家が安全ではなかったら？～". NHK. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  8. ^ Gillis, Wendy; Hasham, Alyshah (April 22, 2020). "Are you a victim of violence at home? Here's how to get help amid COVID-19". Toronto Star. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  9. ^ Jonathan, Forani (April 16, 2020). "Code words, hand signals and social media: How attempts to help abuse victims might backfire". CTV News Toronto. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  10. ^ "Signal for Help". The Canadian Women's Foundation. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  11. ^ "Signal for Help". Women's Funding Network. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
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