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Help, Without Words: The Silent Hand Signal for Help

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A white line drawing on a green background shows three hands making different gestures, numbered one to three. The first hand is open, the second has the thumb bent into the palm, and the third has the fingers closed into a fist. Below this, in black text on a white background, are the words "Silent plea for help," followed underneath in smaller print by "ask for help in 3 steps." © Aneta Ewelina Jobcynska​/​TU Dortmund
In an emergency, words sometimes fail us. The silent hand signal for help offers a way to discreetly draw attention to a difficult or dangerous situation. For it to work, others must recognize the signal and know that it should be taken seriously.

A hand signal can convey an important message without a single word being spoken. The silent distress signal was developed to give people in distress a discreet way to draw attention to their situation.

The signal can be used, for example, when a person cannot openly ask for help or when doing so would put them in further danger. Anyone who recognizes the hand signal should be alert and take the situation seriously.

The hand signal is performed in these three steps:

  1. Hold your palm facing upward
  2. Place your thumb in the palm of your hand
  3. Fold your fingers over your thumb

But how should you respond if you notice the signal?

  • Stay calm
  • Is the person seeking help alone?
    • Ask discreet yes/no questions to find out what kind of help is needed.
  • Is the person seeking help not alone?
    • Show, through a discreet reaction, that you’ve noticed the call for help.
  • Discreetly alert others in the vicinity to the situation.
  • Observe the situation from a safe distance.
  • In an emergency, call the police at 110.
  • Never confront the person who is believed to be a threat yourself, and do not put yourself in danger.

Note: No one should put themselves in danger or intervene in a dangerous situation without thinking it through.

To ensure the signal works when it matters most, it’s important that as many people as possible recognize it. Awareness and knowledge can help ensure that a silent cry for help does not go unheard.

Here you will find an overview of emergency numbers at TU Dortmund University.