The Hand Signal That Could Save A Life

I had no idea this was a think, but I’m really glad I do now.

A 16-year-old girl who went missing in North Carolina last week was found in Kentucky, after she used a hand gesture she learned on TikTok to let people know she was in trouble.  Now she’s safe, and the guy accused of kidnapping her is in custody.

The hand signal involves facing your palm out, like you’re waving . . . then tucking your thumb in . . . and wrapping your fingers down around it.  A random driver knew what it meant and called 911.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SIGNAL

Isolation can increase the risk of violence at home. Use this discrete gesture during a video call to show you need help:

1. Hold hand up with palm facing other person.
2. Tuck thumb into palm.
3. Fold fingers down over thumb. pic.twitter.com/gsIgSbXOmc

— Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) August 24, 2021

This is a hand movement, and not just a static fist with a thumb inside the fingers.

If you ever see someone, especially a child, make that hand signal in a video, here’s what you should do.