Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 65 How did the Signal for Help start: There’s ample evidence that disaster situations can lead to a surge in gender-based violence. Public health directives on home isolation might increase danger and risk for people in abusive relationships. The Canadian Women’s Foundation and our partners launched the Signal for Help in April 2020 in response to an increased risk of genderbased violence and increased use of video calls in the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it’s a viral, award-winning initiative that continues to be shared around the world, educating people about gender-based violence and what we can all do to support survivors. Does the Signal for Help mean “call the authorities right away”? No. It signifies “reach out to me safely.” The person using the Signal may want a number of things. They may want to talk or they may want information. They may ask you to help them find services. They may want you to call authorities, but do not assume that is what they want or need. Let them take the lead. Does the Signal for Help stand for something in sign language? The Signal For Help is not meant to refer to any words, letters, or ideas in American Sign Language (ASL) or other sign languages. It is designed as a single hand motion someone can make during a video call to silently communicate they need support. Deaf community members were consulted on the Signal for Help prior to the launch of the campaign to check in about using this hand gesture. The Signal for Help looks similar to the “brain in the palm of the hand” signal taught by Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. These programs may teach participants to use an open hand, trapped thumb, and fist to communicate and regulate their emotions. If someone uses a signal that looks like the Signal for Help and you are uncertain about what they mean, consider the context in which they are using it. When it is safe to contact them, you can clarify what they meant to tell you and what support they need from you. What if an abuser learns about the signal? As the signal is shared and becomes known by the public, there is a risk that an abuser might learn about it. People in abusive situations are also often closely monitored by the person harming them, and they may not always feel safe enough to use the signal. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone facing abuse. Everyone faces their own unique circumstance. The Signal for Help is one tool some people may be able to use, some of the time, to indicate they need help without leaving a digital trace. It is important that people reach out for support if and when they feel ready, and they should do it in the ways that feel safest for them. People supporting them should be ready to help without judgement, and they should follow the lead of the person who needs help. What if someone can’t use the signal? There are many other resources, services, and programs hat may be helpful in an unsafe situation at home. If you suspect that someone you know is in danger and can’t use the signal, you can still safely check-in using the tips above. It’s important that when you reach out, you determine what the person who may be experiencing violence needs and wants you to do. Someone in an unsafe situation is the expert on what is safest for them. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Image by freepik canadianwomen.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==