Extremely Important To Know

Share It With Everyone

The domestic violence at home hand signal was created to help victims ask for help without having to say anything. The victim is supposed to hold up four fingers and then place them over their thumb. This signal shows that you are needing help.

Take Action—But Do It Safely

If you see a friend, family member or coworker use #SignalforHelp, what should you do? Start with the survivor’s safety in mind and don’t respond at that time. Instead, reach out in other ways that will be more difficult for the abuser to monitor, such as text, social media, WhatsApp, or email. Ask general “yes” or “no” questions to help reduce risk and make it easier for them to respond, such as: 

• Are you safe?
• Can I be a part of your safety plan?
• Do you want me to call 911? (This is something you should ONLY do if the survivor asks you to.) 
• Can I call a shelter on your behalf? 
• Should I search for services to help and call you back?  
• Should I keep checking in on you?
• How else can I support you?

It’s important to only take actions that the survivor has asked you to take (or approved of via your yes/no questions). Make sure they know you’re there to support them and that they can ask for whatever they may need.