Justice System Failing Women at Breaking Point

Violence against women has reached a critical breaking point, with the justice system urgently needing reform, according to Jeff Pope, writer of the ITV drama Believe Me. This series chronicles the experiences of survivors of the 'black-cab rapist,' John Worboys, detailing how the Metropolitan police failed and doubted them. Only three out of every 100 reported rapes and sexual assaults proceed to charges, a statistic Pope finds alarming.

Pope, also writing a BBC drama on the Sarah Everard murder, believes fundamental change is necessary within the police force, stating the Met is not yet fit for its role in 2026. He advocates for an immediate cultural shift, beginning with the principle of "We believe you." This approach contrasts with historical practices where victims were often made to feel their assaults were not crimes, sometimes through insinuations about their character or repeated retelling of their stories.

The drama, produced by Etta Pictures, worked closely with Worboys survivors to ensure accuracy, with some visiting the set. Carrie Symonds, a victim in the Worboys case, hopes the drama will serve as a wake-up call to institutions like the police and the CPS, calling for a profound shift in culture rather than just procedural reforms. John Worboys is due for a parole review this year for additional assaults.