In this episode, we explore the haunting ITV drama Believe Me, based on the true story of the victims of serial offender John Worboys — widely known as the "black cab rapist" — and the women who fought back against a justice system that repeatedly failed them.
Through a feminist lens, we unpack the invisible barriers and systemic injustices women continue to face — from victim blaming and people pleasing, to the ways women are conditioned to doubt themselves, minimise discomfort, and carry the burden of male violence.
Hosts: Lulu Minns & Mary Lobo
Lulu brings her perspective as a former criminal defence lawyer and criminology lecturer, while Mary shares insights from her background in investigative journalism and long-standing interest in true crime. Together, they discuss how these systems shape women's lives, relationships, safety, confidence, and sense of self.
This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, trauma, coercion, and failures within the criminal justice system. Please listen with care.
Key Takeaways
1. Victim Blaming Is Deeply Embedded in Society
The episode explores how women have historically been scrutinised for their behaviour, appearance, alcohol consumption, or perceived "risk-taking" following sexual assault. From questions around red nail varnish to why a woman accepted a drink, the discussion highlights how blame is subtly — and overtly — redirected onto victims rather than perpetrators.
2. Women Are Conditioned to Prioritise Politeness Over Safety
A central theme in the episode is the conditioning many women experience to remain agreeable, avoid conflict, and not appear "rude" — even when uncomfortable or unsafe. Lulu and Mary discuss how this conditioning can make boundary-setting difficult in dangerous situations and why systems often fail to understand this reality.
3. The Criminal Justice System Often Reflects a Male Perspective
Lulu and Mary examine how courtrooms, policing, and legal structures have historically viewed crimes against women through a male-dominated lens. The episode discusses concepts including victimology, "victim precipitation" theory, and epistemic injustice — where women's testimony and lived experiences are minimised or discredited.
4. These Injustices Impact All Women
The conversation moves beyond the individual case to explore the collective psychological impact violence against women has on society — including self-blame, hypervigilance, fear, and the ways women modify behaviour in everyday life to stay safe.
5. Change Is Possible — and Women Have Driven It
The episode also highlights the tireless work of survivors and campaigners, including Harriet Wistrich and the Centre for Women's Justice, whose legal challenge following Worboys' attempted parole led to significant changes in the parole review process and greater victim involvement. We now also need men to carry the mantle.
Join the Conversation
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and your reflections on the wider conversation around violence against women, justice, and systemic change.
Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #SheRebelRadio.
What resonated with you most from Believe Me?
How do we begin dismantling the systems and conditioning that continue to fail women?
References & Discussion Points
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ITV Drama: Believe Me
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Harriet Wistrich & the Centre for Women's Justice
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Victimology and Menachem Amir's "victim precipitation" theory
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Changes to parole transparency and victim reconsideration rights following the Worboys case
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Ongoing conversations around violence against women following cases such as Sarah Everard
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