Well, first things first, as I know other people will come here and say: It was most definitely and utterly not your fault.

But I think that the last question is the biggest thing. I feel that as women we are raised to be more introspective. It’s our natural inclination to question ourselves or reflect on ourselves even when we know we’re in the right. And I think it’s that mindset alone that makes survivors/overcomers question: what could I have done to prevent this?

Even if we are able to prevent it, all it would have meant is that the true character of that roommate would have been hidden for a longer period of time. No sensible person walks into a room, sees a semi-conscious/drunk girl, and decides to come on to them. Especially knowing that you’re his roommate's girlfriend, especially knowing you’re not in a state to properly consent nor defend yourself against him. I guarantee that — even if you were able to prevent it from happening to you — it would have happened to someone that night or the next. It’s a reflection of his character and not yours.

Thanks so much for sharing this!