An 18-year-old woman travelling on the Tube used the 'Signal for Help' gesture after being subjected to 'unwanted attention and inappropriate physical contact' from a man she did not know. The gesture was spotted by TfL staff, who stepped in and separated the young woman from the man.
What is the 'Signal for Help'?
The signal involves opening your palm, closing your fingers, and trapping your thumb. It is a way to silently communicate to those nearby that you are in danger. The staff member who recognised the signal, Callum, was later nominated for a Safeguarding Commendation.
TfL has confirmed that enquiries are underway to identify the man, with CCTV being reviewed.
Origin and impact of the signal
The signal was first launched in the US and Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation and the Women's Funding Network. It was created during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic to address a worldwide rise in domestic violence.
The Women's Funding Network has emphasised that recognising the signal has the capability to 'save lives'. The campaign offers a new tool for survivors and teaches people who want to help how to do so in a way that protects the safety and agency of the survivor.
Recognition and limitations
In 2021, a 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing by her parents in North Carolina was rescued after a member of the public spotted her using the gesture in a car in Kentucky. Police later arrested and charged a 61-year-old man.
While approximately two in five people (40%) in Canada reportedly recognise the signal, it is less known across Europe and the rest of the world. Rebecca Goshawk, director of business development at women's aid charity Solace, told Metro that while 'hand signals of this kind can be useful' they 'cannot be relied upon'. She added that ensuring staff in rail stations and other spaces are trained to recognise and handle harassment is key to helping ensure everyone stays safe on public transport.
Safety concerns on public transport
A 2025 survey of 1,528 women found that 57% feel unsafe on the streets of London, rising to 68% amongst 18 to 24 year olds. Additionally, 50% of women believe that London has become less safe over the past five years.
Over half (56%) of girls and young women aged between 11 and 21 feel unsafe taking public transport by themselves, according to a recent Girls' Attitudes Survey. TfL has launched campaigns to encourage people to be 'active bystanders' and has invested £15.6 million to make public spaces safer.
