Rising Voices: Chinese Women Unite Against Serial Rapist Zhenhao Zou

As new allegations emerge against Zhenhao Zou, a convicted serial rapist, survivors express their struggles with reporting their experiences, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence.

Twenty-three additional women have stepped forward with allegations against Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student recently convicted in London for drugging and raping ten women worldwide. Following a trial that concluded with video evidence of nearly 50 potential victims filmed by Zou, police believe the extent of his crimes could be even broader.

Two victims have shared their stories with the BBC, catalyzed by Zou's conviction. One woman recounted being raped in China after Zou incapacitated her drink, while another described her experience in London, waking up as Zou filmed her assault. Both women expressed guilt for not reporting earlier, wondering if their silence allowed more victims to suffer.

One of the women, who we are calling Alice, recounted her assault in London in 2021. Meeting Zou through mutual friends, Alice was invited to his flat for drinks. While sharing a bottle with a friend, she became suddenly intoxicated and was persuaded by Zou to take a nap in his bedroom. In a horrifying turn of events, she awoke to find Zou filming her assault. Despite her attempts to resist, Zou overpowered her, only releasing her when she threatened to scream for help.

Alice initially refrained from reporting to police, believing she needed tangible evidence for a case. As a foreign national, she struggled to navigate the British legal system and was concerned about the potential impact on her studies and reputation. After Zou's arrest, Alice finally felt empowered to come forward.

Another victim, "Rachel," sought to come forward after her experience in Zou's hometown in Guangdong province. She met Zou on a date, but after consuming a drug-laced cocktail, she was raped in his home. Fearing repercussions and the difficulty of proving non-consent, Rachel hesitated to report the crime.

Jie, a male acquaintance of Zou, described how he distanced himself after realizing Zou was drugging women. His initial reluctance to alert police stems from social ties and the belief that victims’ accounts were sufficient for conviction. He eventually severed ties with Zou when he learned of his actions.

As more victims step up, Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth noted the increasing number of cases suggests Zou's criminal actions impact even more individuals than initially understood.

Beth and Clara, two victims who initially struggled to report their experiences, expressed frustrations with the system but later collaborated to bring Zou to justice. Police acknowledged improvements in their handling of victims' testimonies, emphasizing ongoing training for officers to ensure survivors feel heard and taken seriously.

While Zou's initial convictions focus solely on his time in London, police continue to investigate the full extent of his crimes during his studies in Belfast. Victims encourage one another to come forward, fostering a community of support that aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual assault.

If you have been affected by similar experiences and need support, resources and help are available through various organizations.