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.
It was originally created as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence cases around the world as a result of the self-isolation measures related to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Instructions for the Signal for Help:
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. 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 on April 14, 2020, and on April 28, 2020 in the United States by the Women's Funding Network (WFN). It received widespread praise from local, national, and international 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 the world as a useful tool to help combat domestic violence.
The more people share it and the more widespread the message, the more people will recognise the signal and alert the authorities to it. So please, read and share the message as widely as possible, to help those in need.
EWFI Organising Team