< Go Back What Is the Non-Verbal Sign for Domestic Abuse? Posted: Dec 24, 2021 If you’re facing domestic abuse, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help. Not only can it be hard to seek assistance from a lawyer, but it’s tough to talk about the subject with anyone, whether you already know and trust them or not.
Someone suffering domestic abuse may also have concerns over their safety if they speak up. However, there is now a simple hand gesture that allows a person facing domestic abuse to notify someone that they need help. Recognising this gesture when you see it could help someone in a dangerous situation.
Hand Gesture for Domestic Abuse The gesture involves putting your palm up, tucking your thumb in, and scrunching your fingers slowly over your thumb. Developed by the Women's Funding Network and the Canadian Women's Foundation, its purpose is to help someone to silently notify a person, whether they’re on a video call with them or face to face, that they’re suffering domestic abuse. It can be used to alert family members, colleagues, or friends that they need help.
Tik Tok and other social media platforms have increased the awareness of what this hand gesture means to the public. So much so that, while in the car with her kidnapper, a teenager in Kentucky, USA, was able toalert a passing driver using the gesture .Thanks to the raised awareness of the signal, the gesturecontinues to offer a silent way for people to raise the alarm if they’re in danger.
The Increase In Domestic Abuse During Lockdown According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, domestic abuse offences have risenby 7% in the last year . With 2 million women and 757,000 men affected in England and Wales between March 2019 and 2020. Although the data is limited for domestic abuse cases in lockdown, reports point to a 12% increase of domestic abuse cases that have been referred to the victim support line in May 2020. After lockdown measures were relaxed in May 2020, there was a 12% increase in domestic abuse cases whereVictim Support were contacted.
In addition to this, there was a noted 65% increase in calls to theNational Domestic Abuse Helpline when compared to the 3 months before lockdown. In April 2020, the reports showed that there was an increase of 8.1% from current partners and a 17.1% increase from family members.
How Can A Domestic Abuse Solicitor Help A Domestic Abuse Victim? If you’re suffering from domestic abuse, you do not have to wait for an emergency to happen before seeking help. Tell someone what you’re going through as soon as possible. Remember you’re not alone, and if you need to alert someone silently, use the non-verbal sign for domestic abuse. The NHS offers a wide range ofadvice and resources which offer support for anyone who needs it.
Having a domestic abuse solicitor ensures you have access to expert and experienced legal advice. Depending on whether urgent action is needed, a solicitor can assist with obtaining an injunction to keep the person away from you if you are suffering from harassment.
If you are suffering from domestic abuse on any level, you can seek guidance from a domesticabuse solicitor here at Fosse Law. We have extensive experience in criminal law and our solicitors always prioritise your wellbeing and safety, so we can offer you the support you need.
We’re based in Leicester and support people across the surrounding areas. Give us a call on 0116 262 0290 or you canget in touch via our website to discuss your situation. Our team is committed to providing legal assistance to anyone who needs a trustworthy and empatheticdomestic abuse lawyer .