Netflix viewers have been left terrified and deeply disturbed after watching the platform's latest documentary, Victim/Suspect.
The 2023 film tells the stories of women who were not believed when they reported being sexually assaulted to the police.
In the documentary, investigative journalist Rae de Leon digs into the cases of women charged with falsely reporting rape and other sexual offences.
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And the result for these women? Shocking accusations, degrading interviews and, in some cases, jail.
Directed by Nancy Schwartzman, the deeply unsettling film includes real footage of victims in police custody and witness testimonies. It unveils a nightmare scenario: authorities turning the tables on victims.
Viewers of the documentary have been left disturbed and have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts.
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One person commented: "Victim/Suspect had my stomach churning, my skin crawling, and my heart aching within the first 15 minutes. If you are able, please watch."
"I feel so sick watching this. Actually SICK. The police officers in this documentary all need to be held to justice. Absolutely vile human beings," wrote another.
A third tweeted: "Victim / Suspect on Netflix is making me sick! Why would you not interview two suspects of rape but interrogate the victim?! Where’s also the legal support or advocate for these young women?! Lastly, don’t touch my f*king knee #horrifying"
And a fourth said: "Victim/Suspect on Netflix is infuriating! Fuck those detectives! This is why women don’t report!"
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The documentary and viewers' reactions reflect the shocking statistics regarding conviction for sexual crimes.
According to rainn.org, only 310 out of every 1000 sexual assaults are reported to police. That means more than a two thirds go unreported.
And, out of every 1000 assaults, 975 perpetrators will walk free.
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It's really no surprise then that of the sexual violence crimes not reported to police from 2005-2010, 15 percent of victims said they didn't report it because they believed the police either could not or would not do anything to help.
Victim/Suspect isn't the only Netflix show sending chills down views spines recently.
Another new documentary, I Am A Stalker, sees convicted stalkers open up about their crimes in eerie detail.
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The show states: "Roughly 1.4 million people are stalked every year in the US alone.
"The results of stalking range from the annoying (persistently receiving loads of email or letters) to the intrusive (being secretly watched or followed) to the most severe (kidnapping and/or murder).”
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas
Topics: Netflix, Documentaries, True Crime
Bec Oakes