I think everyone does. It's the way most cultures are set up -- even things like "don't drink too much" implies that if you've been drinking and let your guard down, you're inviting people to take advantage of you. And the fault isn't pointed at them for not being decent human beings, but at you for being stupid enough to think that you could ever be safe.

I'm glad you managed to stand up for yourself and for the other girls in the class. I hope he got fired too -- it must've taken a lot of guts to be able to tell the administration about it.

And screw maturity. Any way in which you can defend yourself is a good way. There are no Marquis of Fantailler rules involved when it comes to this.

It's good to know this entry is working. The first response I got about it having helped someone was enough on its own to make my uncertainty about whether I should post or not absolutely worthwhile.

Incidentally, you're pretty awesome too, Nevi. I love how much of a survivor you are and how you keep fighting through everything.