The 1983 "Strike Hard" Anti-crime Campaign, or "Stern Blow" Anti-crime Campaign of 1983, was an anti-crime campaign initiated by former Paramount Leader of China, Deng Xiaoping. Beginning in September 1983, the campaign lasted for three years and five months, and was launched largely as a result of the nationwide worsening of public safety due to the breakdown of social order and the public security system following the Cultural Revolution. During this time, crimes like rape, murder, robbery, and arson occurred en-masse, and even cannibalism took place in some parts of China.