I’ve been meaning to write about this for over a year. Back in April of 2020, the Women’s Funding Network created an international signal for help. It was originally meant “to assist those experiencing gender-based violence during pandemic stay at home orders” but now is used everywhere.
The Signal for Help is “a simple single-hand gesture that can be visually and silently displayed during video calls, to alert family, friends or colleagues that an individual needs help and that they would like someone to check in safely with them. The program will assist survivors of intimate partner violence who may be connecting with friends, family and colleagues via video chats and meetings.”
“#SignalForHelp is a simple single-hand gesture that can be visually and silently displayed during video calls, and will alert family, friends or colleagues that an individual needs help …” Via @MsMagazine: https://t.co/1CJSisVNJI #endgbv #pandemic #COVID19 #coronavirus
— Canadian Women’s Foundation (@cdnwomenfdn) May 7, 2020
But as you can see from the video below, it can also be used to communicate with passersby.
EMBED
Everyone should know the international sign for Help me. Let’s make this famous #HelpMe pic.twitter.com/RF5aOq8jCY
— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) March 10, 2021
God forbid anyone has to use it but if they do, it’s good to get the word out there so if by chance you do see someone using this signal, you know exactly what it means and to call for help right away, no matter where you are in the world.