I have seen this as well.

Everyone needs to know this.

Thanks for sharing.

I saw this too, but the meme I saw pointed to a Washington Post article...when I did a search, I couldn't find it. So while knowing a hand signal for help is a good thing, I wonder how true this story is....

I think the entire thing is a fluke. I am glad it worked out that's the most important fact. But teens make hand gestures by the hundreds and their meanings change with the latest new song. I predict a rash of false calls into police stations from miss understandings. Then there's the one's these kids will wave because they find false reporting entertainment. uggggg

Arcy! I think that's the first post of yours I've seen without any ALL CAPS!!!

The Laurel County, KY Sheriff's office is reporting it as fact on its Facebook page:

"Laurel Sheriff's investigators rescue 16 year old missing North Carolina girl, and arrest subject who had her :

Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Lieut. Chris Edwards along with Detective Robert Reed arrested James Herbert Brick age 61 of Cherokee, North Carolina on Thursday afternoon November 4, 2021 at approximately 12:33 PM. The arrest occurred at the intersection of I–75 at KY 80 (Exit 41) after Laurel Sheriff's investigators were dispatched by Laurel 911 to observe for a silver colored Toyota passenger car that was allegedly traveling through the construction area north of London – the vehicle was reported traveling southbound. The complainant was behind the vehicle and noticed a female passenger in the vehicle making hand gestures that are known on.the social media platform "Tik Tok" to represent violence at home – I need help – domestic violence. The complainant advised 911 that the female appeared to be in distress. In addition, the complainant noted that the vehicle was being driven by a male subject. As the vehicle traveled southbound on I–75 the complainant continued to follow the vehicle giving Laurel 911 dispatch updates on the suspect’s vehicle's location. Laurel Sheriff's investigators positioned themselves at exit 41 at London to observe for the suspect vehicle and were advised by the complainant that the vehicle was exiting the interstate at exit 41. As the suspect vehicle exited Laurel Sheriff's detectives and deputies conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota passenger car and conducted an investigation on its occupants. It was learned through investigation that the female passenger was a reported missing juvenile – reported by her parents on Tuesday morning missing from Asheville, North Carolina. A check through NCIC confirmed that she was a reported missing person. The female juvenile told Sheriff's investigators that she had gotten with the male subject and traveled through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and into Ohio where the accused had relatives. When the male subject’s relatives realized that the female in his custody was under age and reported missing, the accused left Ohio traveling southbound and the female juvenile then began attempting to get motorists attention to call 911. During the investigation deputies also located a phone in the accused possession that allegedly portrayed a juvenile female in a sexual manner. James Herbert Brick was charged with unlawful imprisonment – first-degree; possession of matter sex performance by a minor over the age of 12 but under age 18 – first offense. This individual was lodged in the Laurel County correctional center. Photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County correctional center. Other agencies assisting on the investigation included: London City Police, Kentucky State Police, Laurel 911 Dispatch Center, social services, Asheville North Carolina Police department, Cherokee North Carolina Police Dept., FBI London Kentucky office, FBI Asheville North Carolina office. Assisting for the Laurel County Sheriff's office: Laurel County Sheriff John Root, Sgt. Brett Reeves, Detective Bryon Lawson, Detective Taylor McDaniel, Deputy Brent France. Case officers for the Laurel County Sheriff's office are: Lt. Chris Edwards, and Detective Robert Reed. Investigation is continuing."

IT was on the news, I am sure it is true.

The NY Times covered it this morning.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/us/tiktok-hand-signal-abduction.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20211109&instance_id=44937&nl=the-morning&regi_id=110574280&segment_id=73890&te=1&user_id=321d963888be08f67dcbdb91164ba11f

I did expect Miss Understandings to be capitalized.

I agree that these hand signals could be misused by teenagers, and I do also think that there could be a rash of false calls. I am somewhat reluctant to trust teenagers anyway, since punishment for minors is different from punishment for adults, and so they think they can get away with more mischief. Sometimes teenagers will make false accusations just because they do not like someone or for spite.

However, this might help some people, but I wonder if there might be a better way. I hope that spiteful people will be in the minority sufficiently to allow this signal to help others.

I'm just thankful the other driver noticed her hand gesture and saved her . At least one person was rescued from possible bad circumstances, regardless of what happens in the future.

Your post touches hearts and shows the strength within you. Domestic violence is a grim reality, but your plea for aid is a beacon of hope. As for the hand signal, it's ingenious, offering a lifeline in silence. Seeking a child support lawyer in Oceanside might be a crucial step towards securing a safe future for you and your loved ones.

In such situations, every word counts, every gesture speaks volumes. Your initiative could inspire countless others facing similar struggles to break free from the chains of abuse. It's a reminder that no one should suffer alone in silence. Your call for help echoes the sentiment that solidarity and support are the antidotes to the poison of violence.