Must-Watch
Four Stories of Survival and Justice
These documentaries are hard-hitting and at times very heavy, but they shine an important light on the realities too often left unspoken. They tell the stories of survivors and their families - stories of pain, courage, and resilience - and expose the barriers that still stand in the way of justice.
Please watch with care. You don't need to watch a full documentary in one sitting - take your time, pause when needed, and return when you feel ready.
My Boyfriend The Rapist
“My Boyfriend the Rapist” follows Juliana Terlizzi as she discovers hidden footage of her own assault, filmed by her then-partner. The documentary captures her fight for truth and justice in a system that too often fails survivors. Brave, unflinching, and important - a must-watch that exposes the realities of abusive relationships and the barriers to conviction in rape cases. Watch over on Channel 5.
Catching my Rapist
“Catching My Rapist” tells Sam’s story of being lured into a fake job interview, raped, and trafficked - and of the years she spent fighting a justice system that tried to drop her case. Against staggering odds, she brought her rapist to trial and secured a conviction, exposing both the scale of sexual exploitation and the failures of the police to protect survivors. A vital and unflinching documentary available on ITVX.
The Push: Murder on the Cliff
“The Push: Murder on the Cliff” tells the story of Fawziyah Javed, a pregnant young lawyer from Leeds who in 2021 plunged to her death from the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. In her final moments, she told witnesses that her husband had pushed her. This documentary follows the trial of Kashif Anwar, who was later convicted of her murder and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. Through testimony from family, friends, and colleagues, the film lays bare the coercive control and abuse Fawziyah endured, and the unending grief of those left behind. Available now on Channel 4.
Convicting My Ex
“Convicting My Ex” follows Ellie Wilson’s experience as she tells her story - a young woman whose ex-boyfriend was convicted in 2022 of raping her twice during their relationship. Determined to have proof, Ellie secretly recorded his admission, took her case to court, and secured justice. She later waived her anonymity to challenge how survivors are treated in trials, becoming a prominent campaigner for change. This documentary follows Ellie as she continues her fight while confronting the personal impact of abuse and the prospect of her rapist’s early release on parole. Available now on the BBC.
At Make Yourself Heard, we believe these voices must be heard - not only to honour the survivors who share their stories, but to challenge silence, inspire change, and remind others that they are not alone.
