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The hand gesture is a one-handed gesture that women and children (and men as well) can use on a video call or in person to communicate that they feel threatened. Someone using the signal holds their hand up with their palm facing out, then tucks their thumb into their hand and then closes their fingers to trap thumb. The gesture is meant to be an alternative to calling 911 and sends a signal to anyone—the police, a family member, a friend—to convey "violence at home," "I need help," "domestic violence," or “please reach out to me safely,” so that the victim can respond via text or email or in a call away from the abuser and provide information to get help.