The drama highlights the systemic failures faced by victims of John Worboys' sexual assaults
Category: Arts & Culture
ITV's new four-part drama Believe Me examines the harrowing true story of John Worboys, a London taxi driver dubbed the "black cab rapist," who preyed on vulnerable women between 2000 and 2008. The series, created by Jeff Pope, follows the traumatic experiences of several women who were drugged and assaulted by Worboys, exposing the systemic failures of the police and judicial system that left many victims feeling disbelieved and neglected.
Worboys, who was convicted in 2009 of attacking twelve women and later found guilty of four additional charges in 2019, employed a chilling modus operandi. He would often claim to have won a large sum of money at a casino, enticing his victims with celebratory champagne that he had spiked with sedatives. This tactic allowed him to incapacitate women, making them vulnerable to his predatory behavior. It is estimated that his total victim count could be close to 200, as police received reports from over one hundred women who suspected they were assaulted by him.
In the first episodes of Believe Me, viewers are introduced to Sarah, portrayed by Aimee-Ffion Edwards, a young mother who becomes one of Worboys' victims. After a night out with friends, she takes a black cab home, only to wake up in a hospital bed with no recollection of how she got there. The police's response to her report is dismissive, as they question her credibility based on her past and the circumstances surrounding her night out. This mirrors the broader societal issue of how victims are often blamed for the actions of their attackers.
Worboys' crimes and the ensuing media frenzy highlighted a disturbing trend in how sexual assault cases are handled by law enforcement. Following the airing of a 1982 documentary by filmmaker Roger Graef, which depicted Thames Valley detectives aggressively questioning a woman who reported a rape, there was a public outcry that led to the establishment of an all-female rape investigation team. Yet, decades later, conviction rates for rape remain horrifyingly low, indicating that the progress made has not been sustained.
Believe Me captures the emotional turmoil faced by victims like Sarah and Laila, another character in the series, played by Aasiya Shah. Laila's story reflects the Kafkaesque nightmare many women endure when seeking justice. She, too, faces skepticism from authorities as she recounts her assault, which includes the trauma of losing her tampon and experiencing severe humiliation during police interviews. The drama poignantly portrays how the psychological impact of such encounters can be more damaging than the assaults themselves.
Writer Jeff Pope has a history of tackling sensitive true crime stories, such as his work on The Reckoning about Jimmy Savile and Little Boy Blue about the murder of Rhys Jones. In Believe Me, he focuses not on the mind of the perpetrator but on the experiences of the victims, ensuring their stories take center stage. His approach is a departure from typical crime dramas that often glorify the criminal rather than highlight the suffering of those affected.
The series sheds light on the personal struggles of the victims and raises questions about the systemic failures within the Metropolitan Police. Many victims reported feeling unsupported and disbelieved, with the police often failing to investigate thoroughly. As the series progresses, it emphasizes the need for reform within law enforcement to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.
As Believe Me continues to air, it serves as a reminder of the importance of believing and supporting survivors of sexual assault. The drama is particularly timely, as John Worboys is facing parole next month, sparking renewed concern among victims and advocates alike about his potential release. The series aims to empower victims by showing their resilience and determination to seek justice, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
With the first two episodes already aired, Believe Me has received a strong reception, earning a four out of five-star rating. Critics have praised its sensitive portrayal of the victims and the systemic failures they encountered. As the drama progresses, viewers are left to ponder whether it will lead to meaningful change in how sexual assault cases are treated and whether society will finally start to listen to and believe victims.
As the series continues to shine a spotlight on these important issues, it is uncertain how it will influence public perception and policy surrounding sexual violence and the treatment of victims in the justice system.