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In a stark reflection of the ongoing crisis surrounding violence against women, acclaimed writer Jeff Pope has expressed the urgent need for reform within the justice system. His latest ITV drama, *Believe Me*, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of survivors of the notorious “black-cab rapist,” John Worboys. Pope argues that the current approach to sexual assault cases is fundamentally flawed and that a cultural shift is imperative if we are to see meaningful change.
A Damning Assessment of the Justice System
Pope’s *Believe Me* is not just another true crime drama; it is a poignant portrayal of how the Metropolitan Police failed the women who bravely came forward after being assaulted by Worboys. The series aims to highlight the staggering statistic that only three out of every hundred reported rapes and sexual assaults lead to charges, a reality Pope describes as “utterly horrific.”
He lamented, “I think we’re at a bit of a breaking point. This stuff is being done to women, and nothing changes.” His commitment to telling these stories stems from a deep-seated belief that action must be taken. “Something needs to happen,” he insists, pointing to the need for the police to overhaul their procedures and genuinely support victims.
A Call for Empathy and Understanding
In his discussions about violence against women, Pope urges men to engage with the issue more deeply. He noted, “Just because you’re a man and it’s not happening to you, it doesn’t mean you can forget about it.” His call to “lance the boil” speaks to the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics and societal attitudes towards women.
Pope, who has an extensive background in true crime storytelling, does not harbour an anti-police agenda. However, he argues that the Metropolitan Police are “not yet fit for the role in 2026,” critiquing their insistence on procedural changes without addressing the underlying cultural problems. He emphasised that the starting point in any interaction with victims should be, “We believe you.”
The Personal Impact of Violence
The emotional toll on women dealing with sexual violence is at the forefront of Pope’s narrative. He highlighted the insidious nature of societal expectations, noting how women must constantly navigate fears that men often overlook. For example, he pointed out the mundane yet dangerous considerations women face, such as whether to wear earbuds while jogging. These experiences, he hopes, will resonate with men and foster a greater understanding of the challenges women encounter daily.
Pope acknowledges that some may question his position as a male writer tackling such sensitive subject matter. However, he firmly believes that addressing these issues transcends gender. “It’s not about gender,” he stated. “Yes, I’m a man, but I’m a writer saying this is something that needs to be addressed.”
Collaboration with Survivors
To ensure authenticity in *Believe Me*, Pope and his team at Etta Pictures worked closely with survivors of Worboys’ assaults. The survivors provided invaluable insights, with some visiting the film set during production. Executive producer Saurabh Kakkar noted the importance of creating a supportive environment, saying, “Due to the subject matter, we had lots of wellbeing coordinators on set to create an incredibly empathetic environment.”
As Worboys faces a parole review this year concerning additional assaults not covered in the drama, the stakes remain high. Carrie Symonds, who was drugged but escaped from Worboys, has expressed hope that *Believe Me* serves as a wake-up call for the police and the legal system. She stated, “The treatment of the victims in this case was truly shameful. Reform matters, but what we urgently need above all is a profound shift in culture.”
Why it Matters
The issues surrounding violence against women are not simply personal tragedies; they reflect broader societal failures that demand urgent attention. Jeff Pope’s *Believe Me* serves not only as a dramatic retelling of past horrors but also as a clarion call for reform in a system that has repeatedly let down victims. As conversations around gender-based violence evolve, it is crucial that we listen, learn, and push for a justice system that prioritises belief, support, and genuine change for all women.
