‘Signal for help’: TikTok’s vi

Signal for help gesture. Image: Screenshot from TikTok @forsure7.

‘Signal for help’: TikTok’s viral hand gesture could save your life

The signal for help created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation saved the life of a 16-year-old who was reported missing in North Carolina.

‘Signal for help’: TikTok’s vi

Signal for help gesture. Image: Screenshot from TikTok @forsure7.

TikTok’s viral signal for help saved the life of a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing by her parents in North Carolina on Tuesday 2 November.

SIGNAL FOR HELP SAVES LIFE OF 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A 16-year-old girl from North Carolina was reported missing by her parents on Tuesday 2 November. She was found two days later inside a car in Kentucky. The victim used the viral signal for help to alert passing vehicles that she was in distress.

“A driver called the police after noticing a female passenger in the vehicle making hand gestures that are known on the social media platform TikTok to represent violence at home – I need help – domestic violence,” said the Laurel County Sherriff’s Office in a statement.

The driver of the vehicle — 61-year-old James Herbert Brick was arrested while driving near a Kentucky interstate on Thursday 4 November. He was charged for unlawful imprisonment and possession of content showing sexual activity by a minor.

It is assumed that Brick thought the girl was merely waving at cars passing by. The girl said she travelled through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. 

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TIKTOK’S VIRAL SIGNAL FOR HELP 

The Canadian Women’s Foundation introduced a campaign titled “signal for help” in April 2020. This was created as a way to help women in abusive relationships during the lockdown.

“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,” according to the Canadian Women’s Foundation. 

The victim will hold up their hand with their palm facing out then tuck in their thumb before closing their fingers on top of the thumb. Take a look at the viral video below…

@forsure7

Violence against women is a crime #canadianwomensfoundation #gethelp #womensrights #itstime #domesticabuse #domesticviolence

♬ original sound – @forsure7

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE THE SIGNAL 

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, if you see someone displaying the signal you should,

  • Check in with the person safely to find out what they need and want you to do.
  • They may want to tell you what is happening. They may ask you to listen and be there for them. They may ask for help finding services.
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).

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