topic Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME" in Community Chat

THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Oznell — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 23:37:50 GMT

I did not know about this until today-- apparently there is an international hand sign that can be secretly given, to alert others to the fact that the signaller is in danger, being held against their will, etc.

If the perpetrator is not looking, the victim can silently raise a hand, fold over the thumb, and bring the fingers down over the thumb, to try to alert a passer-by that he/she is in distress, without the perpetrator, kidnapper or whatever, being aware of it.

The video shows several scenarios, including one of a young girl presumably in the process of being kidnapped, able to give the sign to a potential rescuer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3KVlBkjDxc

In many situations of course, one wouldn't be able to do this without detection, but I can think of some, like in the video, where it would be so worth a try. Good idea.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Pearlee — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:22:57 GMT

@Oznell. Ineresting, but kind of useless if most people aren't aware of it!

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Oznell — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:27:13 GMT

Agreed, @Pearlee -- that's why I think there's a push on now from anti-violence groups for people to share the video on social media. The video is visually not very good from a technical standpoint-- blurry etc., but it has an effective message if enough people see it. I was getting chills when those victims were sending their silent pleas for help....

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Pearlee — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:48:06 GMT

@Oznell And here for all these years I thought the international symbol for help was the Beatles album cover! 😁

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

chrystaltree — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:30:45 GMT

I'm sure that 99% don't know what that sign is so it wouldn't be of much use.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Porcelain — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:38:45 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
I'm sure that 99% don't know what that sign is so it wouldn't be of much use.

If it were taught in schools and in self defense courses, that could help. And if Law Enforcement were all trained on it.

I can foresee a few amateur detectives scrutinizing video footage and reading some false positives in the future, but that risk might still be worth it.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Ruby Laine — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:45:56 GMT

@Oznell, I've been hearing more about that. Our local news had something on it, and I saw it again on Facebook. I think eventually it will catch on, so thanks for posting that.

Our favorite restaurant has a notice in the women's restroom along this line. If you are feeling unsafe about whomever you are there with, you should ask your waitperson for a "drink" called an Angel Shot. You can then be helped in a couple of ways. These are great ideas!

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Oznell — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:49:38 GMT

"Angel Shot"--- I like that, what a great signal, @Ruby Laine !

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

KLm — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:41:49 GMT

Thanks to all who posted this information.

@Ruby Laine I wish more restaurants did this.
What a great idea.

When my daughter was in the hospital to have her first baby, the nurse asked her privately if she was safe or in a dangerous relationship. This didn't apply to her, but I was appreciative that this is on the radar.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Foolywooly11 — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 04:12:58 GMT

Thanks for sharing, @Oznell . I wasn't aware. Too bad there aren't any public safety commercials showing this. And it could be taught in schools, daycares, etc.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Oznell — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:01:22 GMT

I could be wrong, @Foolywooly11 , but I think this might be the beginning of the campaign to make this widely known; presumably those publicizing efforts are starting to be underway (I hope).

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Ruby Laine — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:17:32 GMT

@KLm, this is becoming standard practice in healthcare. In many areas, not only nurses ask this question, but the people who check you in for dr's visits, procedures, etc., will ask. I'm glad to hear your daughter was asked, and congrats on the new baby!

I want to add that men are being asked these questions, too.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

SilleeMee — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 14:26:52 GMT

That would not work for people who can't use their hands, for example paralyzed or have dexterity issues.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

BirkiLady — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:03:45 GMT

@KLm Hospitals have been asking questions frequently for many years. I broke my ankle about 12 years ago (in my driveway on the ice) and a kind, gentle RN also asked me if I was in a relationship of danger.

That was the last thing in my life ever. It took me completely by surprise and I said, "Oh no! I live alone and wasn't paying attention when I went out for the mail. Didn't have a clue there was any ice on my driveway!"

Then, I realized how many females are subjected to abusive situations and thanked her for asking. It actually warmed my heart that the medical professionals are checking. Women and children NEED that asked a lot!!

ETA: Agree, men need to be asked this question as well.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Still Raining — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:27:39 GMT

I hope they have a campaign to spread this.

Long ago, a client hospital asked for donations of sweats for rape victims to go home in. Guess I was not aware prior to that.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Oznell — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 19:30:28 GMT

That's true, @SilleeMee . I've thought about that, and for someone in that predicament, it would be hard. I suppose if they had control of their eye muscles, for example, and the perp/kidnapper were not facing them, they could arch their eyebrows wildly, widen their eyes to the max, so that the potential rescuer would at least wonder, hey, what's wrong.

Unless someone were completely paralyzed, there's another thing too. Isn't there a principle, if you are being kidnapped, reserve all your fight, ALL your energy, to fight against being taken to the next location?

The second location is almost always more secluded, where the abductor would presumably have more control to commence their evil more *conveniently*, without fear of interruption.

So if you had any physical ability at all, or ability to scream and draw attention, it's recommended to do that when you're first grabbed, I think. Am thinking your chances are better than if they get to take you somewhere else.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Porcelain — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:06:40 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
That would not work for people who can't use their hands, for example paralyzed or have dexterity issues.

If that were me I would learn to blink SOS and make sure everyone who knew me knew what it meant if I did that.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

1Snickers — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:00:49 GMT

Thank you! It's good to know a universal signal! I've imagined looking cross eyed, etc or giving other signals, but this one is easy, I'll pass it along,

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

BirkiLady — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:01:41 GMT

@Still Raining Hospitals all over the country still need sweats, underwear, footwear, femine products, etc. for rape victims. Any donations will be always appreciated by the hospital or Rape Crisis Center in your area.

Re: THE INTERNATIONAL SIGN FOR "HELP ME"

Foolywooly11 — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:30:19 GMT

Hope so, too!