### "Voices of Fear: Chinese Victims Speak Out Against Serial Rapist Zhenhao Zou"

**Multiple women come forward, revealing the profound fear and stigma surrounding sexual violence, and how it impacts their willingness to seek justice.**

Twenty-three more women have bravely stepped forward to allege sexual assaults by Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student recently convicted in London for the drugging and rape of 10 women across multiple countries. The police have unearthed video evidence, allegedly filmed by Zou, suggesting that there are potentially 50 additional victims. Authorities are actively working to identify these women, as there is a growing belief that Zou's "offending group is far larger" than previously estimated.

Among the new allegations are testimonies from two women who have shared their experiences with the BBC World Service. One woman's account details being raped in Zou's hometown in China, where he allegedly spiked her drink, leaving her conscious yet immobile. The other victim recounted a terrifying incident in London, where she awoke to Zou filming himself while assaulting her.

Two women whose testimonies were pivotal in Zou's initial conviction expressed remorse for not speaking out sooner, believing their silence allowed Zou to target more victims. One of them voiced her regret, stating, "If I had spoken up earlier, maybe there wouldn't have been so many victims after me."

Alice, one of the recent victims who has come forward, described a chilling encounter with Zou during a night out in London in 2021. She met him through mutual friends and was invited to his accommodation for drinks. After sharing a bottle of alcohol with friends, she succumbed to sudden dizziness. Zou dismissed her concerns, persuading her to take a nap in his bedroom. Alice recalled waking up to Zou removing her trousers and filming the assault, ultimately escaping only after threatening to scream for help.

For many foreign nationals in the UK, the process of reporting sexual crimes can be disheartening. Sarah Yeh, a trustee at the Southeast and East Asian Women's Association, articulated the challenges faced by victims from overseas, including cultural stigma and fear of repercussions on their academic status.

Rachel, another victim who contacted authorities post-conviction, revealed her own traumatic experience in Zou's hometown. After experiencing disorientation from a cocktail he prepared, she was assaulted while incapacitated and subsequently chose not to report the incident due to concerns about her credibility and local backlash.

One key finding is the evolving awareness among victims, many of whom felt disempowered or uncertain on how to navigate the legal system. Beth, a victim who had initially attempted to report her assault, later connected with Clara, another victim of Zou, through social media. This connection encouraged both women to come forward, leading to renewed police investigations into Zou's actions.

The Metropolitan Police are now reviewing the influx of new allegations, indicating that there may be a substantial number of individuals affected by Zou's predatory behavior. Cdr Kevin Southworth shared how the investigation has highlighted a broader pattern of abuse, and discussions about a potential second trial for Zou are underway.

Despite the immense challenges, both Alice and Rachel hope that sharing their stories will empower other victims to speak out against their assailants, highlighting the need for systemic support and awareness regarding sexual violence.