I was trembling as I stood frozen in front of my room. The sight before me was terrifying and a cold reminder that I was in danger and my attacker was very close by. My heart was pounding in my chest, my breathing hollow and ragged, and my eyes wider than they had ever been as I took it all in.

After the first scream tore from my throat, I wanted to move, to say something or to look away, but I couldn’t. I was paralysed with terror.

I was barely aware of the multiple footsteps rushing ...