A child in Cyprus used a recognised hand signal for help to alert police to child abuse by their father- an act of quick thinking and courage that led to the man’s conviction and 25-month prison sentence at the Dhekelia facility in September.
Officers from the British Bases received an anonymous tip about shouting coming from a house in the Dhekelia area. When they arrived, the family appeared silent and unwilling to cooperate.
According to police, one of the four children began making facial expressions and the internationally recognised hand signal for help, used by victims of abuse- such as child abuse and domestic violence- to discreetly request aid.
Upon identifying the signal, officers immediately arrested the father and took him into custody, Deputy Chief Officer Phanos Christodoulou confirmed.
Reflecting on the case this week, Christodoulou said:
“This was an extremely painful situation for the family- one that could easily have continued. It took great bravery for the child to communicate with our officers, and I am relieved they recognised the hand signal and moved the family to safety.”
The international hand signal for help involves holding one hand up with the thumb tucked into the palm, then folding the four fingers down to trap the thumb, a discreet gesture that can indicate danger or domestic abuse.
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