TikTok Launches Search Guide in Sri Lanka for Sexual Abuse Awareness and Help

New feature redirects users searching sexual abuse-related terms to support resources and safety information

TikTok today announced the rollout of a new search guide in Sri Lanka aimed at providing timely help and critical support to users who may be at risk of, or impacted by, sexual abuse. The new feature is part of TikTok’s wider safety initiative to ensure that the platform remains a space where users feel safe, supported, and informed.

Users in Sri Lanka who search for terms with keywords related to sexual abuse such as, “sexual assault”, “abuse hotline”, “Metoo”etc. will now be shown a dedicated banner connecting them to local helplines and TikTok’s Sexual Abuse Support page within the platform’s Safety Center. This page provides educational content, external reporting pathways, and direct links to professional support services.

“At TikTok, user safety is our highest priority,” said Waskito Jati, Outreach and Partnership Manager, Trust and Safety, at TikTok. “We know that many users turn to online platforms during difficult times. By proactively surfacing support options and credible resources, we hope to guide people towards professional help and reinforce our zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse in any form.”

The Sexual Abuse Support page within the Safety Center educates users on the different forms of sexual abuse—such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), grooming, sexual harassment, and non-consensual sexual acts—and offers guidance on how to report such content. It also strongly discourages interacting with harmful material and emphasizes TikTok’s confidentiality in handling user reports.

In addition to TikTok’s in-app reporting features, users are informed about available external reporting options. The support page also makes it easier for survivors and their supporters to locate professional help. It includes access to a searchable database of local organizations and international support providers who specialize in survivor care, trauma response, and legal assistance. For those seeking community and empowerment, TikTok also highlights relevant hashtags and content created around healing and recovery.

This initiative builds on TikTok’s ongoing efforts to improve digital safety and well-being through community guidelines enforcement, educational partnerships, and platform-level interventions. TikTok continues to collaborate with experts, survivor advocacy groups, and mental health organizations to ensure users are protected and empowered.

For more information, visit TikTok’s Safety Center: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/sexual-assault-resources