The Universal Symbol for Help
When the pandemic led to stay at home orders in the spring of 2020, domestic violence prevention and assistance organizations immediately worried about the effect on victims. Those in abusive situations stuck at home with their abuser would be at more risk than usual. Shelters were adjusting as well to ensure they didn’t become spreaders of the virus. To address these challenges, the Women’s Funding Network (WFN) created a universal symbol of help. The symbol is for victims to use to let others know they were in trouble.
Domestic Violence in the United States
According to Vogue, “On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner in the United States, 12 million men and women over the course of a year.” Time Magazine also wrote about the pandemic within the pandemic. They found an increase in domestic violence cases since stay at home orders and work from home started. According to their research,
“police departments are reporting increases in cities around the country: for example, 18% in San Antonio, 22% in Portland, Ore.; and 10% in New York City, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. One study in the journal Radiology reports that at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, radiology scans and superficial wounds consistent with domestic abuse from March 11 to May 3 of this year exceeded the totals for the same period in 2018 and 2019 combined.”
Universal Symbol for Help
The philanthropic organization, The Women’s Funding Network, launched a campaign to try to help these victims. Many of the traditional means of seeking help were no longer available because of COVID. With the abuser working from home or possibly out of work, the victim may have little to no opportunity to reach out to friends, family, law enforcement or advocacy groups. #SignalforHelp is a hand gesture that lets the other person know intervention is required. The symbol is an open face-out palm with the thumb tucked in. Then the person will close the remaining four fingers over the thumb. Victims may do this on a Zoom call, when checking the mail or answering the door or anytime they interact with others.
How to Help
The Women’s Funding Network advises if you see someone using the symbol, reach out to them. Do so in a generic way in case their devices are being monitored. Check in, invite them to chat or call if that is a possibility. Always keep in mind that the abuser might be in earshot. Ask yes or no questions and offer to maintain contact over time. The WFN suggests following the victim’s lead in terms of involving law enforcement. Let them tell you what they need as they know the risks they are facing. You can also reach out to local resources for guidance on what to do.
Assistance for Victims
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Houston Area Women’s Center – 713-528-2121
Montgomery County Women’s Center – 936-441-7273
Fort Bend Women’s Center – 281-342-4357
Bay Area Turning Point – 281-286-2525
