A young woman who was raped by a man who advertised a room for rent says she had never felt more powerful and strong after staring her attacker in the face as he was sentenced to 6½ years' jail.

*Rose was one of two women who were raped by real estate agent Thomas Hofer, 49, at Glebe after responding to an advertisement he posted on the website flatmates.com.au.

A woman (left) who was raped by a man who advertised for a flatmate has urged other victims to stand up to their attackers. Credit:Emma Partridge

The 19-year-old has spoken for the first time in the hope that other victims of sexual assault will feel empowered to stand up to predators such as Hofer.

"I felt stronger than I ever had in my life to be honest," she told Fairfax Media.