Social Media Video Helps Save Domestic Violence Victims

A video on social media is helping domestic violence victims get help without tipping off their abusers. People who are trained to spot domestic violence situations in Tulsa say the signals could save someone's life.

The video starts out simply with a woman FaceTiming her friend. In the middle of the casual-sounding conversation about a banana bread recipe- the victim holds up a signal. She has her palm facing her friend's phone screen, tucking her thumb in, and then folding her fingers over. Her friend responds with concern, without tipping off the victim's abuser.

The signal was originally started by the Canadian Woman's Foundation but is currently going viral because of this video on social media. Tifina Cowan works with Domestic Violence Intervention Services and says a simple signal like this could save someone's life.

"I think it is just a way for people to be cautious and also and know that yes- potentially, it could be somebody who is in danger and needs help," said Cowan.

It is not a distress signal currently part of local law enforcement's training, but it is one that is now on their radar because of a story coming out of Kentucky.

WKYT reports a 16-year-old girl was giving the hand signal to drivers on a highway while she was in the car with a 61-year-old man. The report says a driver recognized the signal and gave updates to dispatchers for 7 miles.

"If you are in trouble communicate it however you can. We often think that our kids or loved ones would have traditional forms of communication...but that is not always the case," said Andy Little with Tulsa Fire.

Deputies later stopped the car and questioned the driver.