Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2012

Sexual Violence against Women and Children in China

Ko Ling Chan

January 2007

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative

Abstract

No society is free from rape, and China is no exception. This review documents current literature on gender based violence with a particular focus on sexual violence and assault in China, including Mainland China and Hong Kong. The prevalence of and risk factors for various types of sexual violence are reviewed. Women's responses to sexual violence and how cultural beliefs affect reporting and help-seeking behavior of sexual violence survivors are discussed. Existing intervention and prevention strategies are examined and recommendations on future research are made. The review was commissioned by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (www.svri.org).