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Signal for Help

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Humphrey Tribble (talk | contribs) at 01:42, 9 November 2021 (Globalized, and clarified the origin and subsequent spread). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
The Signal for Help:
  1. Palm to camera and tuck thumb
  2. Trap thumb

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

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 by the rest of the fingers.[3] It was designed intentionally as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, so it could be made easily visible.

The Signal for Help was introduced by the Canadian Women's Foundation on April 14, 2020.[4] It soon spread internationally after the Women's Funding Network (WFN) adopted it. 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.

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.[8]

The campaign advises that if someone sees a person using the signal on a video call, they should reach out using another form of contact (such as a text message or email), to ask yes-or-no questions that are easier to respond to, and to only contact emergency services if the signaler explicitly asks them to.[9][10]

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. ^ 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.
  9. ^ "Signal for Help". The Canadian Women's Foundation. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  10. ^ "Signal for Help". Women's Funding Network. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
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