A missing teenage girl was rescued this week thanks this simple hand gesture.
A few days ago in the US, the parents of a teenage girl reported their daughter missing. What they did not know is that she had been kidnapped. Whilst the perpetrator was driving her across multiple state lines, she used this hand gesture – which signals distress or domestic violence – to get the attention of passing drivers. One driver was all it took to recognise this hand gesture and call 911. The police reacted right away by setting up traffic stops of vehicles exiting the highway, through which the kidnapper was intercepted and the 16 year old girl saved. All thanks to this simple gesture – known by both the victim and the passerby.
Take 2 minutes and copy the gesture in the title image
Why is it so important that every single person knows this gesture?
One in three women and one in two children worldwide are victims of domestic violence in her lifetime. If we all know this signal for distress – which can even be used beyond the crime of domestic violence – imagine how many people we can help and lives we can literally help save.
1. Hold hand up with palm facing other person.
2. Tuck thumb into palm.
3. Fold fingers down over thumb.
Signal for Help
©Canadian Women’s Foundation
Isolation can increase the risk of violence at home. Use this discrete gesture during a video call to show you need help.
This gesture signals “violence at home – I need help – domestic violence”.
