
The Signal for Help (or the Violence at Home Signal for Help) is a single-handed gesture that can be used by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call, or in-person. It was originally created as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence cases around the world as a result of the self-isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The signal is performed by holding your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then folding your fingers down, symbolically trapping your thumb in your fingers. It was intentionally designed as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, that could be made easily visible.
The Signal for Help was first introduced in Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation on April 14, 2020, and on April 28, 2020 in the United States by the Women's Funding Network (WFN). It received widespread praise from local, national, and international news organizations for helping provide a modern solution to the issue of a rise in domestic violence cases.
The signal has been recognized by over 40 organizations across Canada and the United States as a useful tool to help combat domestic violence.
Addressing concerns that abusers may become aware of such a widespread online initiative, the Canadian Women's Foundation and other organizations clarified that this signal is not "something that's going to save the day," but rather a tool someone could use to get help.
Instructions for what to do if an individual sees the signal, and how to check-in safely, were also created.
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As we step into 2025, the Peace Culture Foundation (PCF) remains committed to protecting children and youth from all forms of violence. Over the past few months, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with multiple sectors, allowing us to expand our reach into diverse communities. We are especially encouraged to see increasing awareness of child and youth sexual violence prevention, particularly the issue of grooming.
In December 2024, PCF hosted an online training session for parents, guardians, and caregivers titled "Digital Parenting: Navigating Online Sexual Risks in the Digital Age." This session aimed to raise awareness about the growing severity of online child sexual exploitation, highlighting the sophisticated tactics used to target children. Participants overwhelmingly expressed that this information is crucial for all caregivers to understand in order to effectively protect their children. We’ve also made the training available for those who couldn’t attend live. You can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/aMN4mLLrqiI.
In January 2025, we had the privilege of traveling to Bangkok, supported by the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. We served as speakers at a workshop focused on implementing measures to prevent and address sexual harassment and abuse. Dr. Sombat Tapanya led a key discussion on “Sexual Harassment and Abuse: The Hidden Threat in Sports,” alongside clinical psychologist and PCF volunteer Suphatree Laohaviraphap. This collaboration marks the beginning of our efforts to strengthen sexual violence prevention in youth sports—a pressing global issue that demands attention and action.
Looking ahead, we are determined to keep driving preventive efforts forward—working with children, youth, parents, and multidisciplinary professionals. Our focus remains on building awareness through activities designed by psychologists, staying true to our mission of fostering a safer future for all.
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