The internet is a great space to learn new things.

We get to learn so many things (like tricks and hacks) that make our daily activities easier. While it can be destructive at times, the internet has a plethora of knowledge and information if used for the good of all.

One of the most popular platforms right now is TikTok.

Many “Tiktokers” (as they call their users) share so many hacks every day. There’s more to fun and entertainment in this trending platform; it has a lot of helpful information, too.

And would you believe that a particular TikTok content helped save a teenage girl’s life?

It’s been a trend on TikTok for quite a while now, especially during the height of the pandemic. Since people mainly were on lockdown, there was a much higher chance for domestic and gender-based violence.

That’s why the Canadian Women’s Association raised awareness on the hand signal for help.

@nichellelausReply to @trishy_official ##helpme ##danger ##signalforhelp ##sos ##staysafe 🆘♬ Help – Papa Roach

The hand signal shows an open palm, then the thumb tucked into the plan, and finally, close the hand into a fist. Do this several times to signal that you are in danger, threatened, or distressed.

This is the exact hand signal that saved a kidnapping victim in North Carolina.

The teenage girl was sitting in the front seat of a silver passenger car with an older male driver. They were heading south in London, Kentucky when the victim flashed the hand signal for help. Apparently, she’s been doing this the entire time.

Luckily, a car behind them recognized the hand signal.

The moment the driver saw them, they followed the car in I-17 and called the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office’s 911 hotline. They continued giving updates to the police on the whereabouts of the vehicle.

The police rounded the vehicle and arrested the suspect in Exit 41.

The 61-year-old suspect James Herbert Brick was charged with “first-degree unlawful imprisonment and first offense on matter sex performance by a minor over the age of 12 but under age 18.” He was sent to the Laurel County Correctional Center.

The 16-year-old victim was reunited with her family in North Carolina.

Her parents filed a missing-person report two days before. They were relieved and happy that they got reunited with their daughter.

The people commended the driver, who recognized the hand signal.

Laurel County Deputy Gilbert Acciardo said it was very crucial that the driver from the back of the silver Toyota know what the hand signal was for. Not all people are aware of it, and if not for that driver, they wouldn’t have been alerted and rescued that girl.

Many police offices are now spreading more awareness about this hand signal.

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 tweet from Halton Police Station is one of those social media efforts. They stressed the importance of knowing this hand signal, especially in times of isolation. This can also be used in a video call with a family or friend so they can call for help.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: CSB 17 YouTube Channel, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page, Canadian Women’s Foundation