Signal for Help

CanadianWomen ^ | no date listed | no author listed

[Leaning Right]

The social isolation measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are making it more difficult for those who are at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. “Signal for Help” is a simple one-handed sign someone can use on a video call. It can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way.

[Leaning Right]

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.

A friend mentioned this to me the other day. I had never heard of such a thing, so I looked it up. It’s evidently the real deal. And I can see some value here. The signal could even be used in public, in a kidnapping situation. So I thought I’d pass this story along.

[TermLimits4All]

So basically the BLM fist except the thumb is tucked away.

[coaster123]

“I can see some value”

Take another look.

[Leaning Right]

> So basically the BLM fist except the thumb is tucked away. <

Yep. And in a way that’s an advantage, as it might confuse the abuser/kidnapper.

As a side note, I’m not all starry-eyed about this. This is not some magical signal that will set everything right. But it does have some value, and so it’s worth knowing.