Signal for Help Responder campaign

Practical tools that empower people to support survivors of gender-based violence
Canada · North America · Canadian Women’s Foundation

Project description

The Signal for Help Responder Campaign is a Canadian Women’s Foundation initiative that helps people recognize and safely respond to the Signal for Help—a simple one-handed gesture created by the Foundation in 2020 to discreetly communicate a need for support in situations of gender-based violence. Through a responder action guide, online course, and podcast series, the campaign equips individuals and communities to support survivors and help create safer communities free from gender-based violence.

Target group
General public, workplaces & communities
Type of product
Mobile-friendly action guides, online courses, educational resources & awareness campaigns
Project documentation
Extra info
Winner of the 2023 Erase Indifference Challenge

Impact

During the grant implementation phase (June 2023 – November 2024), the Signal for Help Ramp-Up Impact Project supported the expansion of the campaign to train and engage 44,097 new Signal for Help responders, through an online mini-course and workplace trainings that increased participants’ confidence and knowledge in responding to abuse (91% reporting improved understanding). Overall, 74% of Canadians reported confidence in referring someone experiencing abuse to support services. In addition, 156 creators—including artists, influencers, and filmmakers—were engaged through five knowledge exchange events, helping amplify the signal across digital and creative communities.

Canadian Women’s Foundation
Canadian Women’s Foundation

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. The organization raises funds to support women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals by investing in community programs across Canada. Its core mission focuses on ending gender-based violence, moving people out of poverty, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

How could this initiative be supported or adapted in your community?

1
Access resources
Download the Signal for Help action guide.
2
Build your skills
Enroll in the online Signal for Help mini-course.
3
Listen & learn
Listen to the dedicated podcast available on the project website.
4
Spread awareness
Share Signal for Help information within your community or network.
5
Recognize & respond
Learn how to recognize and safely respond to the signal in real-life and online situations.
Erase Indifference · 2026 Edition · Open for entries

Enter the Erase Indifference Challenge

Share your creative work, get reviewed by an expert jury, and join a global movement turning indifference into action.

Prize Pool
€90,000 distributed among winners
1 × €20,000 – main prize
7 × €10,000 – additional prizes
Open call
October 30, 2026
Submission Deadline
December 4, 2026
Workshops (EI Team & Experts)
January 18–28, 2027
Winners Announced
February 26, 2027

Ready to make an impact?

Submit your project before December 4, 2026 and join creators from around the world tackling indifference.

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