🔒 What is this?
Distress code words are secret signals you and trusted people agree on in advance.
When spoken, they mean "I'm in danger — call for help" — without alerting an attacker.
Teach these to your family before you need them.
Teach these to your family before you need them.
🌍 Well-Known Codes
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ASK FOR ANGELA
International pub/venue safety code. "I need help getting away from someone."
Say to staff: "Can I speak to Angela?" — they'll help you safely exit the situation without confrontation.
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SIGNAL FOR HELP
Hand signal: tuck thumb, fold fingers over. Show palm to camera or window.
Used during video calls when you can't speak. Widely recognised internationally — show this to your family.
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FAMILY CODE WORD
A secret word only your family knows. When said, means "I'm in danger."
Example: "I need to pick up the dog" or any unusual phrase. Set yours below ↓
🇿🇦 SA-Specific Codes
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"ORDER PIZZA"
Call family and say "Can you order pizza?" = "Send help / call police."
Sounds completely innocent to anyone listening nearby.
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"RED BOOK"
WhatsApp message "Did you find the red book?" = Danger, call for help immediately.
Pre-agree with a trusted contact. The message looks casual to a hijacker reading over your shoulder.
🔧 My Custom Codes
Create your own code
🤲 Physical Signals
3 KNOCKS
Knock 3 times in a pattern = SOS. Pre-agree with family at home.
TORCH BLINK
3 short, 3 long, 3 short flashes = SOS Morse code.
HAT BACKWARD
Wearing hat backward = I'm being watched / not safe to talk.
5 MISSED CALLS
5 missed calls in a row = "Come now, bring help."