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In a powerful statement, acclaimed writer Jeff Pope has declared that violence against women has reached a critical juncture, urging profound changes within the justice system. His latest ITV drama, *Believe Me*, focuses on the harrowing experiences of survivors attacked by the notorious “black-cab rapist,” John Worboys. Pope’s work aims to shine a light on systemic failures that have long plagued the treatment of sexual assault cases, emphasising the need for immediate action.
A Call for Change
Pope, who is also developing a BBC drama about the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in addressing sexual violence. “Something needs to happen,” he asserted, criticising the Metropolitan Police for their ongoing failures to adequately support survivors. His drama recounts the real-life experiences of women who were not only assaulted but also met with disbelief and negligence from law enforcement.
Worboys, who was imprisoned in 2019, was brought to justice in part due to the testimony of Carrie Symonds, now married to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Symonds, who was drugged but managed to escape, is depicted in *Believe Me* by actress Miriam Petche. The drama highlights the staggering statistic that only three out of every 100 reported rapes and sexual assaults lead to charges, a figure that Pope describes as “utterly horrific.”
The Gender Divide in Understanding
Addressing the broader societal issue, Pope lamented the lack of awareness among men regarding the experiences of women. He stated, “If you’re a man and it’s not happening to you, it doesn’t mean you can forget about it.” He believes the time is ripe for a cultural reckoning, asserting that men must engage in these discussions and confront their own understanding of gender dynamics. He articulated a vision for a police force that starts with a foundational belief in survivors: “The starting point should be ‘We believe you.’”
Pope pointed to the era of Tony Blair’s government as a turning point, where policing became overly focused on statistics at the expense of victim support. His research for *Believe Me* revealed the disturbing extent to which authorities may dismiss sexual assaults as non-crimes, often subjecting women to invasive questioning about their character.
Fostering Empathy on Set
In creating *Believe Me*, Pope and his team prioritised the well-being of survivors involved in the production. Executive producer Saurabh Kakkar noted that numerous wellness coordinators were available on set to ensure a compassionate atmosphere. Survivors, including Symonds, were closely involved in the storytelling process, lending authenticity to the narrative.
Worboys is scheduled for a parole review this year, raising concerns about the ongoing implications of his past offences. Symonds has stated her hope that the drama serves as a wake-up call for police and justice systems that have consistently failed victims. “Reform matters, but what we urgently need above all is a profound shift in culture,” she emphasised.
Why it Matters
The urgency of Jeff Pope’s message cannot be overstated. The systemic failures in addressing sexual violence against women not only perpetuate trauma for survivors but also erode public trust in institutions meant to protect them. As *Believe Me* amplifies the voices of those affected, it urges society to confront uncomfortable truths and calls for a transformative cultural shift in how we view and respond to sexual violence. Understanding and advocating for the realities faced by women is not just a matter of justice; it is a societal imperative that demands immediate and sustained action.
