That was a really nice way to handle the situation by you, but I also would keep in mind that you don't owe them an explanation of why the tv was on. These people are not ones I would trust with information about where you are vulnerable (i.e. Safety issues scare you because you previously were assaulted in your home), because this response by them to let the noise issue simmer for months before ambushing you as a mob outside your garage is insane. There's no other word for it, that type of ambush was them WANTING to scare you, or being so self-absorbed in their own perception of righteousness that they didn't care what your experience was. That is disturbing to me and I would be careful what information about yourself that you hand them because anything might get used to scare, bully or belittle you the time they get up in arms over something.

I've been assaulted too, so I 100% understand your interaction and why you told them the reason behind the tv. Maybe I'm just cynical but it just strikes me as something I would've done right after the assault, but now that I have some confidence back (thank you therapy, and time!) I would've kept that information to myself because I have some confidence back and know that I was not insane to have the tv on, the neighbors were insane to respond that way. Seriously, plenty are people are weird about the tv, and really the "why" you were weird was irrelevant, the issue just needed to be fixed.