Carrie Johnson recently stated that there could be up to 1,000 victims of John Worboys, the infamous Black Cab Rapist, as she encouraged others to come forward with their stories.
Why it matters: Johnson's comments highlight the potential scale of Worboys' crimes and the urgent need for victims to seek justice. The renewed attention on these cases could lead to more women coming forward.
Johnson, wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, revealed her encounter with Worboys during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain.
She emphasized that many victims may not realize they were drugged, which could increase the number of unreported cases.
The ITV miniseries Believe Me, which began airing on May 10, 2026, has raised awareness and prompted more victims to reach out.
Driving the news: Worboys, who is currently serving a life sentence, was convicted in 2009 for multiple sexual offenses against women he targeted as a taxi driver.
His crimes occurred between 2000 and his conviction, with police estimating that he could have assaulted over 100 women.
Worboys lured victims into his cab, claiming he had won money and offering them drugged champagne.
After being denied parole for the second time on May 19, 2026, Worboys remains a high-risk offender, according to the Parole Board.
State of play: The discussion surrounding Worboys' past and the impact of the ITV drama has reignited public interest in his case.
Johnson highlighted that tourists and foreign visitors may have been among those victimized, often without reporting the incidents.
The drama Believe Me has made Worboys the "talk of the jail," with heightened security measures around him due to fears of prison attacks.
Worboys is reportedly "cowering in his cell" at HMP Wakefield, as the media attention has left him vulnerable to other inmates.
The big picture: Carrie Johnson's call for a culture change in how police handle rape cases reflects longstanding issues within law enforcement.
She recounted her experience of feeling disbelieved when reporting her assault, stating, "If my car was stolen, I think they would believe me, but if I say I've been raped, I'm not sure they do."
Johnson's story sheds light on the broader issue of how victims are treated by authorities, emphasizing the need for systemic changes.
The drama serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by victims when coming forward, a theme that resonates with many survivors.
What they're saying: Experts and advocates have weighed in on the implications of Johnson's revelations and the impact of the ITV series.
Dr. Tracy King, a clinical psychologist, noted that public outrage can affect prison culture, increasing risks for notorious offenders like Worboys.
Johnson expressed hope that increased awareness would encourage more victims to come forward, reinforcing the importance of sharing their stories.
"This might really help keep him behind bars for good," she said, urging anyone who thinks they were a victim to seek justice.
By the numbers: The statistics surrounding Worboys' crimes highlight a disturbing trend in sexual violence.
Worboys was first convicted in 2009 for 19 sexual offenses linked to 12 victims, with additional convictions in 2019 for four more women.
Police fear there could be over 100 victims in total, many of whom may still be silent.
Reports of assaults date back to 2002, indicating a long history of abuse that was inadequately addressed.
Between the lines: The ITV drama Believe Me plays a key role in shaping public perception and awareness of sexual violence.
It follows the harrowing stories of women who were drugged and assaulted, shedding light on the challenges they face when seeking justice.
The series has sparked conversations about the treatment of victims by law enforcement and the need for a cultural shift in how such cases are handled.
Johnson's story, now shared widely, emphasizes the importance of believing victims and supporting them through the reporting process.
What's next: As the conversation continues, advocates are calling for more systemic changes in how sexual assault cases are handled.
Johnson's advocacy work aims to encourage more victims to come forward and seek justice, highlighting the importance of support systems.
The Parole Board will review Worboys' case again in approximately two years, raising concerns about potential future risks to women.
With the airing of Believe Me, it's expected that more victims may feel empowered to share their experiences and seek justice.