A woman used a simple hand signal to silently ask for help while at a 7-Eleven.
The woman gave the “signal for help” behind her back, Alhambra police said, according to The Los Angeles Times. The signal: tucking the thumb into the palm with the fingers closed on top of the thumb.
An employee noticed the sign and called 911, KNBC reported.
Police were recording on a body camera when they arrived and the footage was recently released.
They asked her, “Are you OK? Are you OK? Do you mind if I talk to you really quick?,” KNBC reported
Police said they determined that a domestic violence incident took place.
When police asked the man if they could conduct a pat-down search, he tried to run, KABC reported.
They also said he had an active warrant at the time of the incident and that he had a stun gun.
The signal the woman used was developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation in response to the increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Home isolation can increase the risk of violence.
— Canadian Women's Foundation (@cdnwomenfdn) April 14, 2020
If this is the case for you, use this signal on a video call to ask for help. If someone gives you this signal, visit https://t.co/5fr6MRuKh2 to learn how to check in safely and find support resources. #SignalForHelp #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/IceauYbXCx
© 2025 Cox Media Group
Sign Up
