The Hand Signal For Help - Learn it, Share it

[Pluvious]

This short clip is worth watching to the end

( my comments below )

Link to tweet

( definitely watch the second one to the end! )

Link to tweet

AI Overview:

Key Details About the Signal

How to Do It: Hold your palm up, tuck your thumb in, and fold your fingers over it. It is a continuous, one-handed motion.
Purpose: It was designed as a discreet, silent signal, particularly useful during video calls, in person, or anywhere an abuser might be monitoring a victim.

Origin: The Canadian Women's Foundation developed the signal in April 2020 in response to rising domestic violence during pandemic lockdowns.

What to Do If You See It: If someone uses this signal, do not immediately call the police unless there is immediate danger. Instead, check in safely via text, email, or a phone call to ask what they need.

This signal from the Canadian Women's Foundation has garnered international recognition and is now used in over 45 countries.

I have to think that these were staged dramatizations, for the purposes of helping to spread awareness.

If so for the final interaction in the second clip, I hope he was a professional !!

[Deuxcents]

1. I'm sure they all were demonstrating the importance of asking for help. Thanks for posting..I did not know this

[SheltieLover]

2. I didn't either!

[Wiz Imp]

3. Here's a few videos of news stories where women/girls used the signal in real life situations

and it may have saved them.

[Jack Valentino]

4. How can women in a bar signal for help if they think they need it?

(From Google AI--- no apologies for using it here,
I had heard about this before but couldn't recall the details):


The most common keyword phrase is "angel shot". Ordering an "angel shot" is a discreet code used to signal to bar staff that a patron feels unsafe and requires assistance without alerting the person causing the distress.

The type of assistance requested is often specified by how the "angel shot" is ordered:

"Angel shot neat" or "straight up" means the customer needs a staff member to escort them safely to their vehicle.
"Angel shot on the rocks" or "with ice" indicates that the patron needs staff to call a taxi or rideshare service for them.

"Angel shot with lime" or "with a twist" is a signal that the patron is in immediate danger and requires the police to be called.


Important Considerations
Check for signs: Bars participating in this initiative often place discreet signs in the women's (and sometimes men's or all-gender) restrooms, explaining the code word and the types of help available.
Staff training: The effectiveness of this code depends on the bar staff being trained to recognize and respond to the phrase appropriately. While the "angel shot" has gained popularity, not all bars may have a formal protocol in place.
Direct communication: If a bartender does not recognize the code, or if you are in immediate danger, it is best to directly tell a staff member or security person that you feel unsafe and need help, or call the police directly.