A young woman who fell victim to an attempted sexual assault in Dublin last weekend has taken to social media to share her story and offer words of advice to the public.
According to the post published on Facebook this week, the young woman was making her way home through the Shankill area of the city on Sunday night at approximately 7pm when the terrifying incident occurred.
Recalling events for Facebook followers. she described becoming wary of a man who appeared to be lingering on the footpath as she approached.
Reflecting on her thought process at the time, the Facebook user, whose post has since been shared thousands of times, explained; "I obviously thought it was a bit odd so I just sped up and overtook him on the path."
In a horrifying turn of events, unbeknownst to the young woman, the man began following his intended victim before launching an attack on her mere metres from her own home.
"I had my headphones in, which was a really bad idea as I didn't hear his footsteps, and he ended up following me into my estate and attacked me and tried to sexually assault me when I was only a few metres from my own house," she wrote.
"He tried to drag me into the trees, but thankfully I was able to get away by yelling my head off and giving him a sharp kick. I am very lucky to be pretty much unharmed, and he didn't see which house was mine."
Appealing to both men and women alike to exercise caution when walking alone, the brave young woman finished her post be advising: "If you see a strange man or woman, or anyone who looks sketchy just ring your parents or a friend and get home as quick as you can."
Describing her attacker as approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height with dark greyish hair and blue eyes, she urged the public: "Keep all your senses aware, no headphones in darker/quieter areas, and always stay near built-up areas if you can."
Our thoughts go out to her.