The world is still in the middle of a global pandemic. COVID-19 has run rampage all over the world, and people are losing their lives. In an attempt to slow the curve, everyone has been asked to stay at home as much as possible. Work places have either closed, or sent their employees to work from home and schools have been shut down. This means that families are all in quarantine together.
This seems all fine, until you remember that not all homes are happy and safe environments. The government-mandated quarantine has seemed to forget that there are now women everywhere who are trapped at home with their abusive partners. Even if there wasn’t any sign of domestic disturbance before, the pandemic can do unimaginable things to people and they may now find themselves in trouble. How could they get help when they are always in the presence of their partner?
The social isolation measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are making it more difficult for those who are at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. “Signal for Help” is a simple one hand signal that involves a woman lifting her hand up, then she puts her thumb down and then closes the rest of her fingers covering her thumb. It can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way. The signal was created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation to help women all over the country and world.
A great example video is below show how this would work.
Now, what should someone do if they see someone making the sign? You want to make sure you get them help without alerting the other person that something is wrong. If you feel comfortable you can try calling them and asking just “yes” or “no” questions. You can try and communicate with them through other written media, like e-mail or text, if you are confident that the messages are not going to be intercepted. If someone is in immediate danger, then you of course want to call 911 and send help to the address.
Please talk to your family and friends about Signal for Help so that we can be there for each other when in need. HAVEN is here to help.
If you worry about a friend or family member…or about your own safety… HAVEN advocates are here to help. You are NOT alone.
If you are able please call or see the messaging links above:
Haven Office: 918-554-2836
Text Line: 918.533.3070
Crime Victim Advocate: 541.602.0616
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.
Our advocates are here to help!
After hours you can reach our local Community Crisis Center at 1.800.400.0883 and Strong Hearts Tribal Hotline at 1.844.762.8483
