Signal for Help
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The Signal for Help (or the Violence at Home Signal for Help) is a single-handed gesture that can be ussed by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call, or in-person.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). as a result of the self-isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The signal is performed by holding one hand up with the thumb tucked into the palm, then folding the four other fingers down, symbolically trapping the thumb in the rest of the fingers.[1] It was intentionally designed as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, that could be made easily visible.
The Signal for Help was first introduced in Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation on April 14, 2020,[2] and on April 28, 2020 in the United States by the Women's Funding Network (WFN). It received widespread praise from local,[3] national,[4] and international[5] news organizations for helping provide a modern solution to the issue of a rise in domestic violence cases.
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.[6]
Instructions for what to do if an individual sees the signal, and how to check-in safely, were also created.[7][8]
References
- ^ Nadia, Ebrahim (April 22, 2020). "This Secret Signal Could Help Women In Lockdown With Their Abusers". Refinery29. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ "Signal for Help Campaign Launches to Help People Experiencing Gender-Based Violence During Home Isolation". McGill. April 14, 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ "Self-Isolation Is Fuelling a Rise in Gender-Based Violence". Elle Canada. April 14, 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ Alexandra, Jardine (May 4, 2020). "This simple hand signal sends an alert about domestic abuse during the coronavirus crisis". AdAge. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Signal for Help". The Canadian Women's Foundation. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ "Signal for Help". Women's Funding Network. Retrieved 7 May 2020.