Content note: the following article contains references to rape.

“It’s 2025, is this the best we can do?”

This is one of the many questions that Stacey Dooley asks as part of her new two-part documentary series, Rape On Trial. To make the show, Dooley spent time with four women – all of whom had accused someone of rape – as they embarked on the legal process of taking their accused to court.

Suffice to say, it’s a hard watch, and it makes us question whether a legal system that was set up to support victims is doing more harm than good to the very people it aims to protect. The fact that Dooley filmed with these women over three years due to barrister strikes and trial delays is a testament to what n draining and traumatic process this can be for women who allege they have been raped. “No matter the outcome of the trial, I think it’s safe to say that it’s unacceptable how long these women waited for their trials,” Dooley tells me when we catch up about filming the documentary. “I don’t think there is any way we could justify dragging these complainants through years of uncertainty.”

So, just what was the motivation behind making the show – and what does Dooley hope people will take from watching it? Here, she explains more…

What made you want to make this documentary and why now?

This documentary was made over a number of years. It was commissioned three years ago – and back then, it felt timely because of the barrister strikes. I wanted to see how long women were waiting to get their day in court, so we explored what that all looked like behind the news reports. I wanted to spend proper time with each of the women who had come forward to truly understand what the day-to-day looks like when you’re going through this process.

Were you aware of how bad the situation was before you began filming?

I understood it was a problem – and it was affecting people day to day. I think particularly with this crime, what makes it different to other crimes is that, as soon as you come forward, there’s immediate scrutiny from some people who will question your credibility. That must be incredibly taxing, and to have that level of scrutiny placed on you for so long is unbelievable. As I built a rapport with these women, I saw just how difficult it must be.

The documentary explores the notion of ‘his word v hers’ and questions whether our legal system is set up to deal with these cases. What did you learn about taking rape cases to court?

When I spoke to legal professionals whose job it was to defend the accused, they told me pretty clearly that they needed to pick apart the complainant’s account of what happened. As for the jury, they have to be categorically sure that the crime was committed without room for any doubt. And that’s where it becomes really, really difficult. We’re dealing mostly with situations where the women involved have had consensual sex previously with the person they are now accusing, and because of this, everything they say is scrutinised and brought into doubt.

As well as the legal system, the documentary also explores our societal views of rape. How do you think we currently view rape in this country?

I do think, thankfully, that our understanding of rape is evolving very, very slowly. Years ago, we associated it with strangers lurking in the park, and while cases like this do still horrifically happen, it’s not the norm. 90% of complainants know the person they are accusing of rape. So, there are many more emotions involved, as it might be someone they were in a previous relationship with or had previous consensual sex with.

It’s incredibly difficult to navigate. And while we are evolving, there is so much work that still needs to be done. The onus, wrongly so, is on the accused to come forward and say: “This happened to me.” And then to prove it.

The women involved in the documentary waived their right to anonymity. What did their bravery teach you?

These women showed pure courage. They also showed complete selflessness that was evident so early on. If you asked any of them “Why are you doing this?”, they’d say: “Because I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.” They embodied this idea that shame has to shift sides. I’ve luckily never found myself facing what they were, so I was just absolutely floored by their courage.

In each of their trials, I respect the law and the legal outcome, but I think it is fair to say the way they were treated was not acceptable. As I filmed with them for years, it really made me question: how long is too long to wait for your day in court? But despite this, these women gave me three years of their lives – the most difficult years of their lives – to help people understand what the situation is really like. And that’s truly amazing.

When people watch the documentary, what do you want them to take away from it?

I’m very realistic about these things – I’m under no illusion that these two films will radically change the landscape. But I do think they could help prompt us to have level-headed, rational and calm conversations about rape – and that could lead to permanent change.

I think what’s most powerful about this whole thing is the women themselves. They waived their right to anonymity to let us into their lives and I want to recognise what a huge thing that is to do. I’ve already had messages from other women telling me about their experiences, so I think if these films can contribute to a much-needed situation, then I’m proud of that.

Stacey Dooley: Rape On Trial is available to watch now on iPlayer.

The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line can be reached for free by calling 0808 500 2222 or visiting the Rape Crisis England & Wales website. If you need emergency help, call 999.

Images: BBC