Dear MIRIAM: Rapist pounced at friend's party; LETTER OF THE DAY.

Byline: Dr MIRIAM STOPPARD

Dear Mirror THREE months ago I felt woozy at a friend's party to celebrate her moving in with her boyfriend.

I went for a lie down in their spare bedroom and the next thing I knew her boyfriend was in there with me. I felt like a rag doll being pulled about and too weak to fight him off.

He was having sex with me and I couldn't stop him.

I must have blacked out. When I woke up I was naked and my arms and legs were covered in bruises. All I could think about was getting out. I don't know how I managed to get dressed and find my things but I did.

No one knows he raped me. I need to tell my friend but I deliberately haven't had any contact. I've heard she thinks I'm jealous of her.

Nothing could be further from the truth. What should I do?

ALL the responsibility for this brutal attack lies with your friend's monstrous boyfriend. No one has the right to have sex with you without your consent, no matter what the circumstance.

Rape isn't just physically damaging, it's emotionally traumatic. Someone who has been raped might feel angry, degraded, frightened, numb or confused. It's also normal to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Some people withdraw from friends and family.

It's not uncommon for victims to wait weeks, even months, before they report assaults. Some never come forward. They often fear they will be blamed for the assault or will not be believed.

Victims of acquaintance rape are much more likely to delay reporting the crime, compared to victims of assault by strangers.

Those who commit sexual assault rely on their victim's reluctance to come forward. When crimes are not reported, they're more likely to rape again.

Your self-satisfied friend should be told she's living with a rapist but he's banking on you being too scared and humiliated to speak out.

It's not too late to get the counselling and emotional support you need. Pick up the phone and call the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) helpline on 08451 221331; counselling 020 8683 3311.

Once you understand you're not guilty of any crime, telling your family and the girl whose boyfriend attacked you may not seem such a huge hurdle.

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TERROR: Friend's boyfriend attacked her