Signal for Help

[1] Originally, the signal was created as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence cases around the world linked to self-isolation measures that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[3] It was designed intentionally as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, so it could be made easily visible.

[4] It soon spread via the TikTok social video platform and was adopted by the international Women's Funding Network (WFN).

It received widespread praise from Canadian[5] and international[6][7] news organizations for helping provide a modern solution to the issue of a rise in domestic violence cases.

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.