When danger is imminent and you cannot scream for help – how can you protect yourself? Many of us have wondered that, but who truly knows the answer? A six-year-old girl did. She reported her own abduction to the police because she stayed alert and used the right hand signal at the right moment.
The international SOS hand signal works like this:
Did you know this? The gesture was established as a symbol for violence prevention against women. Yet it requires awareness and presence of mind to use it in the right situation. At HOPE FOR THE FUTURE we have made it our mission to spread knowledge like this through awareness campaigns, because shouting is often impossible.
The Incident
In early December a woman and her two children were forced into a vehicle; a restraining order had already been issued against the perpetrator – but it did not stop him.
Here is what happened: The woman had obtained a restraining order after previous incidents of violence. The man lay in wait, threatened her and the children with a knife, and forced them into his car. He then caused a property-damage traffic accident. When he could not produce a driver’s license, the other driver called the police. Officers noticed his suspicious behavior, and when they opened the rear door they found the woman and the two children. The six-year-old immediately flashed the international SOS hand signal – letting the officers know this was not just a minor accident.
Thanks to this stroke of luck, the officers searched the car and found three knives, one of which in the stroller. The man now faces charges of aggravated coercion and unlawful deprivation of liberty and has been taken to jail.
The SOS hand signal was developed in 2021 by the Canadian Women’s Foundation. The idea was to give victims of domestic violence a discreet way to ask for help during video calls. It has since luckily become widely recognized as an international distress signal.
“Is Luisa here?”
Far too many women know the experience of harassment, boundary crossing, or even sexual assault while out at night. To curb such incidents, the code phrase “Is Luisa here?” was created by the Women’s Emergency Hotline in Münster, Germany. “Luisa” was chosen because the name means “the fighter.” It also has a clear sound and is easy to hear in loud settings.
If an uncomfortable situation arises and help is needed without drawing too much attention, a woman can also order an “Angel Shot.” Trained bar staff then know assistance is required.
“I need to see Dr. Viola”
Hospitals have their own code as well: if someone asks for Dr. Viola, staff know to be on high alert. Employees are trained to speak with the person about what they need and, if necessary, to contact the police.
Summary
What does this mean for us? This article aims to help solidify this knowledge and further disseminate it so it can be recalled in an instant. Remember: the hand signal, Luisa, Dr. Viola – three additional layers of protection.
The international campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” runs until December 16, 2025 – you can find the current blog post here: [link].
According to recent surveys, one in three women in Austria has experienced physical and/or sexual violence since age fifteen. On average, three women are murdered each month in Austria, reports the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters. Although Austria offers a wide range of support services, many people do not know when and where to seek help. For example, there is a dedicated women’s helpline that is anonymous and free of charge at 0800 222 555. The Violence Protection Center hotline is also anonymous and free at 0800 700 217.
In a world where we rarely memorize phone numbers, we must know the ones that matter in an emergency.
Translated by Julia Matzinger
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