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Signal for Help
Covert gesture to indicate domestic violence

The Signal for Help is a discreet, single-handed gesture designed to alert others that someone feels threatened and needs help, especially during video calls. Created by the Canadian Women's Foundation in April 2020, it was introduced to address the rise in domestic violence linked to self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The gesture involves holding up one hand with the thumb trapped under folded fingers, made as a continuous movement for visibility. The campaign encourages observers to respond safely by contacting the person through another channel, such as a text message, and only involve emergency services if explicitly requested, using yes–no questions to keep communication clear and safe.

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See also

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 May 6, 2020. https://www.vogue.com/article/signal-for-help-womens-funding-network-abuse-coronavirus ↩

  2. Graham-Harrison, Emma; Smith, Helena; Ford, Liz (March 28, 2020). "Lockdowns around the World Bring Rise in Domestic Violence". The Guardian. London. Retrieved May 6, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/28/lockdowns-world-rise-domestic-violence ↩

  3. Nadia, Ebrahim (April 22, 2020). "This Secret Signal Could Help Women in Lockdown with Their Abusers". Refinery29. Retrieved May 6, 2020. https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2020/04/9699234/domestic-violence-quarantine-coronavirus-signal-help ↩

  4. "Signal for Help Campaign Launches to Help People Experiencing Gender-Based Violence During Home Isolation". McGill University. April 14, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020. https://www.mcgill.ca/definetheline/channels/news/signal-help-campaign-launches-help-people-experiencing-gender-based-violence-during-home-isolation-321629 ↩

  5. "Self-Isolation Is Fuelling a Rise in Gender-Based Violence". Elle Canada. April 14, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020. https://www.ellecanada.com/culture/society/self-isolation-is-fuelling-a-rise-in-gender-based-violence ↩

  6. Alexandra, Jardine (May 4, 2020). "This simple hand signal sends an alert about domestic abuse during the coronavirus crisis". AdAge. Retrieved May 7, 2020. https://adage.com/creativity/work/womens-funding-network-canadian-womens-foundation-signal-help/2254366 ↩

  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 May 7, 2020. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200420/k10012396031000.html ↩

  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 May 7, 2020. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/code-words-hand-signals-and-social-media-how-attempts-to-help-abuse-victims-might-backfire-1.4899062 ↩

  9. "Signal for Help". The Canadian Women's Foundation. Retrieved May 7, 2020. https://canadianwomen.org/signal-for-help/ ↩

  10. "Signal for Help". Women's Funding Network. Retrieved May 7, 2020. https://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/signalforhelp/ ↩

  11. "How to Spot a Signal for Help, and How to Respond". DomesticShelters.org. Retrieved August 11, 2022. https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/escaping-violence/how-to-spot-a-signal-for-help-and-how-to-respond ↩