Woman Uses Viral TikTok Hand Signal To Alert Good Samaritan And Escape Kidnapping
A woman in Tennessee, US, was able to escape domestic violence and kidnapping situation by using a viral TikTok hand signal to alert a fellow customer at convenience store that she was in need of help.
A woman in Tennessee, US, was able to escape a domestic violence and kidnapping situation by using a viral TikTok hand signal to alert a fellow customer at convenience store that she was in need of help.
The woman went into the Twice Daily convenience store on Sunday and mouthed ¡®help¡¯ to customers while making a hand signal by crossing her thumb over her palm and repeatedly covering her thumb with her four other fingers.
Twitter/@cdnwomenfdn
Eric Streeval was in the store when the woman ran in, and immediately recognized she was in need of assistance.
"If you see something, say something. Domestic violence is a bad thing here in Tennessee. The victims, a lot of times they¡¯re too afraid to speak out. And I credit the young lady in this situation with having the world¡¯s most courage of actually speaking out because who knows what would have happened," Streeval told WKRN.
Hickman County Sheriffs Office
Police responded to the scene and found a pickup truck leaving the parking lot as they arrived. Police pursued the vehicle until the driver, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Smith, crashed, was Tasered, and then arrested.
Smith has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault.
Home isolation can increase the risk of violence.
¡ª 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
The Canadian Women¡¯s Foundation is widely credited for the hand signal, which has been used mainly since the start of the coronavirus pandemic as a way to alert others that you are in a domestic violence situation.
The hand signal is made by placing the palm of the hand outward, tucking the thumb into the palm and repeatedly bringing the four other fingers down over the thumb.
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