The gesture was first introduced last year by the “Canadian’s Women’s Foundation” to address the rise in domestic violence that was happening during lockdown.
- That signal? A palm facing out with the thumb tucked into the fingers (like you’re making a ‘four’ with your fingers together) – then bringing the four fingers down and extending them up again. Then repeat this action.
- Doing these three hand gestures combined means there’s “violence at home” or “needing help.”
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SIGNAL Isolation can increase the risk of violence at home. Use this discrete gesture during a video call to show you need help: 1. Hold hand up with palm facing other person. 2. Tuck thumb into palm. 3. Fold fingers down over thumb.