Body Language- A Signal for Help

Body Language- A Signal for Help

In 2020, the Canadian Women’s Foundation created a hand signal known as the “Signal for Help”. This was made in order to combat the domestic violence cases that had started rising as a result of self-isolation and lockdowns. In certain cases, where a person may be closely watched or monitored by an abuser, this signal has proved to be a discreet yet effective method in alerting people to their situation. The signal can be performed by holding your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then folding your fingers down.

This signal went viral when a 16-year-old girl was saved after being abducted in North Carolina. As the kidnapper drove the girl around the Midwest, she would repeatedly make the gesture to passing by vehicles. One passer-by recognized this distress signal and alerted authorities to the possible danger the girl might have been in. Sure enough, the kidnapper was arrested and the girl was safely returned to her family.

We believe that spreading awareness about this crucial hand signal is vital in protecting hundreds of victims of domestic abuse and even kidnappings. The main reason the teenager was rescued was because a man was able to correctly identify her signal for help. Skits such as the one made by our group are being made by many people globally in order to spread the word.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury for women in the United States and research has even shown an increase of domestic abuse cases in many states during the Covid-19 lockdown. The discrete nature of this signal and the way it can be performed without a trace is extremely helpful in such situations of domestic violence. It is important that we spread the word and understand the meaning of such signals so we can keep ourselves safe as well as those around us.

While it is true that the signal is to alert others to scenarios causing them harm, it may not always be the right thing to call the police immediately. Calling the police in the case of the kidnapping was crucial in saving the girl. However, in situations of domestic violence, calling the police may just make the situation worse for the victim. So, it is equally important that we truly try to understand and interpret the situation and if possible, reach out to the victim. As an article by deseret.com states, the Canadian Women’s Foundation suggests that if you see a person using the sign, attempt to reach out to them safely to find out what needs to be done.

The Signal for Help is one of many ways body language can be used to interpret the type of situation one may be in. It is crucial for all of us to understand these signals in order to create a safer environment for all.

Stay tuned to learn more!

Check out our reel on the same here- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcNYh6fjPkl/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Bibliography:

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/wellness/2021/12/07/signal-help-hand-gesture-can-save-those-trouble-being-abused/8857500002/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/tiktok-distress-hand-signal-5210298

https://www.today.com/parents/how-danger-hand-signal-could-help-save-your-child-s-t238606

https://news.sky.com/story/the-simple-hand-signal-that-lets-people-know-youre-in-danger-and-other-ways-to-ask-for-help-12243563