Victims of domestic abuse who need to show they are in danger but can't speak can use a hand signal to flag up their distress to someone over video chat.
The hidden sign is being shared by a women's charity in a new online video - aimed at teaching people how to get help and reaching people how to recognmise that someone needs help.
The sign involves raising your hand in front of your body, meaning it cannot be seen by anyone behind you.
The 'signal for help' has been created by the Canadian Women's Foundation, reports The Mirror, and is now being shared globally on social media.
The World Health Organisation has reported that lockdown has led to a significant increase in the number of people reporting incidents of domestic abuse across Europe, while after three weeks of lockdown starting, calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline in the UK were 49% higher than usual.
To make the signal, the hand is held up with the palm facing the camera, before the thumb is tucked into the palm and the fingers close over the top.
A video demonstrating the signal shows a woman asking her friend for a banana bread recipe on video call, before raising her hand to push her hair back and making the clasped fist sign.
Her friend recognises the distress call but continues the conversation naturally as to not draw attention to the person who can be seen in the background.
Captions read: "She is experiencing abuse and signalling for help without leaving a digital trace."
The Canadian Women's Foundation also provided advice on safe ways to help somebody, including calling them and asking questions which only require a yes or no answer, such as: "Would you like me to call 999?"
You can find the foundation's full advice on the best steps to take and how to help in the case of emergencies by clicking here.
It also provides resources with advice on what to do if you feel unsafe at home and are unable to make video calls.
The Canadian Women's Foundation said: "There's ample evidence that disaster situations can lead to a surge in gender-based violence. Public health directives on home isolation might increase danger and risk for people in abusive relationships."
.jpg?w=600)
