Sex and the university

This can be a complicated situation from a post-graduate student's perspective because of the power imbalance and the because study and supervision at this level can involve the close discussion of the student's work, thereby involving a closer emotional dynamic or trust between professor and student. From my own experience as a post-graduate, I was propositioned for sex directly during one-to-one supervision. The professor at one point made a full blown proposition for an affair, on his terms he stated, but did so in front of another academic staff member thereby introducing a further complication because he did so in a way that was demeaning to myself by using coarse and demeaning gutter type sexual language, by name calling me using bad language and by making reference to rape. The other staff member who was present during this sorry event also used coarse sexual language against me. I can say that I have rarely felt so objectified, confused, belittled and disrespected, but have not complained officially to this day because of the power imbalance that exists within these paternal organisations and because if I did I would worry that my academic prospects would be further hindered. There should be mechanisms in universities to protect students from being bullied, and to protect their interests for career progression.