B.C. assault victim tried to signal to drivers using sign for domestic violence while held against her will: police

A 26-year-old Vancouver man has been arrested after police said a woman was held against her will inside a moving vehicle last month, and tried to use a hand signal created to indicate being at risk of abuse or violence to alert others she needed help.

New Westminster police are looking to speak to anyone who saw an older model grey Toyota Highlander driving erratically on March 23 between 1 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Sgt. Sanjay Kumar said investigators believe the vehicle travelled through multiple cities, including New Westminster and Burnaby, and may have stopped for a time near Burnaby Hospital.

“We’re appealing to…people who were out that late on a Wednesday night, so we know it’s not many people, but cab drivers, delivery drivers, maybe Uber drivers,” he said. “This vehicle would have stood out. It was driving in a fashion that’s not normal. It was starting and stopping in traffic. We believe it might have been swerving and pulling U-turns.”

Police say the man and woman knew each other, and the woman was actively trying to escape, as well as calling out for help and using the “Signal for Help” hand signal, which was developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation in response to the isolation of the pandemic, so those experiencing domestic violence could discreetly and silently signal for help on a video call. The signal involves holding up one hand with the palm facing out, then tucking in the thumb, and closing the other fingers over it.

• Read more on the hand signal here

“Unfortunately, no one really picked up on the signal and therefore no one called us at the time,” Sgt. Kumar said. “It’s really important the public knows what the signal is, so if they do see it in the future, they are able to either somehow make contact with this individual if they are able to in a discreet manner…but if they’re unable to do so, it’s important to call the police.”

The woman eventually got out of the vehicle and police were called. She is now recovering.

Police are recommending charges of forcible confinement and aggravated assault against the suspect, who has been released with conditions.

Executive director of Battered Women’s Support Services Angela Marie MacDougall said the hand signal for help has been an important tool, particularly in the pandemic.

“It is very important I think for the general public to know the signal, to be able to interpret the signal, but then also to know what to do once they see the signal,” she said. “If you’re not able to communicate with somebody, if they’re in a car, then the thing to do would be to call 911 at that moment, to make note of the licence plate, and to stay within the vicinity as much as possible at a safe distance.”

MacDougall said if you are able to communicate directly with the person who is making the signal, try to ask questions.

“Is there anything that you need? Are you safe? Can I get you to someplace safe,” she said. “Prompts that require a yes or a no answer are the best way to go.”

MacDougall also praised the woman for her courage.

“I’m so proud of her that she did everything that she could to get safe,” she said. “My heart goes out to her, and to all of the women right now that are living at home in fear, and we want everyone to know that there are resources and supports available.”

Police say at the time of the incident, the woman was wearing a red sweatshirt, black jacket, and blue jeans, and has short dark hair. Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Crime Unit of the New Westminster Police at 604-529-2430.

MacDougall said anyone looking for information on how to help someone experiencing domestic violence can find resources on their website, or call their 24-hour crisis line at 1-855-687-1868.