The victim in a controversial sexual assault investigation in St. John's has spoken out — but because police told her not to go to the media, she went instead to Facebook.

On July 5, a woman reported an unknown man forced his way into her home on Circular Road in St. John's and sexually assaulted her. Rumours quickly spread that it was a random home invasion — almost unheard-of in the city — and police faced public criticisms that they weren't revealing enough details about the investigation.

A public forum was arranged by the St. John's Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre in early July after e-mails from a third party began circulating about the incident, again criticizing police. About 35 women attended the meeting to talk about the investigation, media coverage and local gossip surrounding the case.

Gwen Mercer, a longtime advocate for victims' rights in St. John's, said at the time that the woman was being victimized twice — by the assault itself and by the e-mails, which the woman said did not come from any friend of hers.

"Because there's no information given out, all the gaps are being filled up by gossip, and that woman has to deal with that as well," Mercer said. "I think this is unforgivable."

Now the woman is speaking out through a group she created on the social-networking website, Facebook. In her postings, she describes the man who she alleges attacked her and calls him a "monster."

She begs people to be careful in their homes so they won't have to go through the same experience. "PLEASE PLEASE don't open your door, DAY or NIGHT if you don't know who's on the other side … you can never be too safe," she writes on the website.

The group is called Sexual Assault In St. John's, and is categorized as a site for people with common interests in self-help. The woman identifies herself on the site, but it is CBC News policy to not identify the victims of sexual assault.

On the site, the woman also thanks her family and friends for their support.

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts for me and my family. Although something like this is horrific and a lifelong battle, I refuse to let it hurt me or my family anymore."

More than 600 people had joined the group as of Wednesday, offering support to the woman.

One post read: "Sorry this happened to you, hopefully he will be caught and punished."

Police deter victims from speaking publicly

Meanwhile, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is still investigating the case but no charges have yet been laid.

A police spokesperson told CBC News that they prefer victims to avoid talking publicly about sexual assault incidents, for fear that it may compromise the investigation.

They do not forbid people to talk, but the spokesperson said it makes the job of the police easier when victims refrain from talking to the media, at least until the investigation is complete, or charges have been laid.