The problem of evil is worsened by free will

The problem of evil is said by many religious people to be solved by the provision of free will, but it doesn't solve it -- it makes it worse. Why would a benevolent god care more about the free will of evil people to do evil deeds than the lives and the free will of their victims? The difference between me and such a god is that I would not stand by and let a person rape or murder. I would do what I could to stop them imposing their will on their victim, taking away that person's free will. Why would a god favor the free will of an evil person over the free will of their victim? I am forced to the conclusion that no gods exist.