"Universal symbol for help" Shark Tank's Lori Greiner shares tips on safety

In a digital age where silent cries for help can go unnoticed, Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner is stepping up with a message that could potentially save lives. In a recent Instagram reel that's catching everyone's attention, she delivers a powerful PSA that's both simple and crucial:

"This is something really important that everyone should know. This is the universal symbol for help. Remember that, if you're ever needing help, do it. If you ever see someone doing it, call 911 or try to help them. Remember this and teach it to your kids, to your family members. Remember this universal symbol for help."

If you haven't seen her on the popular reality program Shark Tank, Lori Greiner is more than simply a well-known figure. Known as the "Queen of QVC," she is a formidable businesswoman who has established herself by funding cutting-edge goods and helping budding entrepreneurs.

She evaluates presentations on Shark Tank with other investors like Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec, ranging from oddball inventions to possibly game-changing company concepts.

Shark Tank’s Lori Greiner explains the universal symbol for help

Lori Greiner's Instagram video demonstrates a specific hand gesture that has become a critical communication tool. The signal involves:

• Holding up one hand
• Palm facing outward
• Tucking the thumb toward the palm
• Folding the remaining fingers over the thumb

Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, this signal was developed by the Canadian Women's Foundation as a discreet way to communicate distress. With people increasingly relying on video calls during lockdowns, the need for a subtle help signal became paramount.

The signal addresses a critical safety concern, particularly for individuals experiencing domestic violence. It provides a non-verbal method to seek help when speaking openly might be dangerous or impossible.

Lori Greiner emphasizes two key points when it comes to using the symbol:

1. Learn the signal yourself.
2. Teach it to your family and friends.

Her advice is crystal clear:

"If you ever see someone doing it, call 911 or try to help them. Remember this and teach it to your kids and to your family members."

The Women's Funding Network has been instrumental in spreading awareness about this signal. Their goal? To ensure the symbol is understood across different languages and cultures.

While the signal is powerful, experts caution that it's not a foolproof solution. The Canadian Women's Foundation stresses that it's a tool, not a guaranteed rescue method. If someone uses the signal during a video call, the recommended approach is to:

• Contact the person through a different method (text or email).
• Ask yes or no questions.
• Let them guide how they want to receive help.

Lori Greiner’s call to action

The signal emerged as a response to the increased intimate partner violence during pandemic lockdowns. Its simplicity is its strength—a single, continuous hand movement that can be made visible without drawing unnecessary attention.

"Remember this and teach it to your kids, to your family members," Greiner implores.

It's more than just a hand gesture—it's a potential lifeline for those in distress.

What started as a pandemic-era solution has transformed into a global communication tool. It represents a collective commitment to safety, awareness, and supporting those who might be silently struggling.

In a world where communication can be complex, sometimes the simplest gestures speak the loudest. Lori Greiner's message is clear: stay aware, be supportive, and remember the universal symbol for help.

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