International Help Signal

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International Signal for Help

[1] Wikipedia Signal For Help https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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.

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]