help in emergency situations
With these code words, women draw attention to themselves
With discreet hand signals and code words, those affected by harassment can seek help in dangerous situations.
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Almost every woman in Germany has felt molested at some point. Those affected can use these discreet codes to get help.
Whether in a partnership, on the street or in a club: 97 percent of women in Germany have felt sexually harassed at some point. In such situations, it is often difficult for those affected to draw attention to themselves. Some hand signals and code words should make it easier to seek help. Everyone should know these secret codes.
The hand signal against domestic violence
The so-called Help Sign was launched during the Corona pandemic as #SignalforHelp by the Canadian Foundation for Women, originally as a means of counteracting domestic violence. The sign quickly spread through social media and has already saved some women and girls from dangerous situations. In August 2022, for example, the Ludwigshafen police announced that a 14-year-old had been rescued from the violence of a suspected rapist because she had shown the hand signal to passers-by.
With the one-hand gesture, those affected can inconspicuously signal that they feel threatened and need help. The palm is stretched outwards and the thumb is folded in, then the remaining fingers are closed over the thumb to form a fist.
Code word “Is Luisa here?”
If you have the opportunity to start a conversation with someone, “Is Luisa here?” The question acts as a code to get help without further explanation in the event of harassment, threats, or fear of assault. For example, those affected can discreetly seek help from the service staff if they are harassed or harassed in bars, clubs or restaurants. This should then immediately inform the security staff or dial the emergency number.
Say the code word “Mask 19” in pharmacies
The Union of German Zonta Clubs also has the initiative “Mask 19” was launched: With the code word “Mask 19” those affected can contact medical staff and receive immediate emergency help. It is sufficient to say the code word when entering a pharmacy, doctor’s office or clinic. The police emergency call should then be notified.
“Emergency SOS” trick on iPhone and help phone
If you find yourself in an acutely dangerous situation and are far away from other people, you can call for help. One option is the nationwide help line “Violence against women”which can be reached 24 hours a day on 08000 116 016.
If you have an iPhone, you can also use the “Emergency SOS” function to quickly and unnoticed send an emergency call, including the current location, to rescue services and previously set emergency contacts – without having to look at the screen. The function is activated in the settings under the menu item “Emergency SOS”. To make an emergency call in a dangerous situation, press the device’s power button five times in quick succession.