I am doing a PhD in Australia. My supervisor is abusive towards me although he praises my work and i have reason to fear that he will not give me a good enough reference to allow me to get a Post Doc. He discusses confidential things about me with students he likes better who suck up to him, he has made me look bad, he has called me stupid although my academic record is very strong, he sneers and becomes vicious if i report other staff harrassing me or if i get nervous with him, he has supported other students harrassing me, ... there is so much. I have been in the middle of a serious bullying, mobbing, and harrassment issue at the department which other people there have noticed and been shocked at. The head of school has said nasty things at me in front of other people as i walk down the corridor, without even looking at me. Other people were shocked at what she said. I feel too humiliated to remain in that department. One problem is that a previous supervisor who bullied me and is well known in his field has definitely spread malicious rumours about me which has resulted in negative behaviour towards me from academics i have never had any contact with before.

I need ideas as to how to contact and impress a new supervisor in another state and how to test the waters to see if they already have a negative view of me. Also, what excuse could i give for leaving? I have some ideas on these things but i need more from people who understand my point of view. Also, i have not quite finished my APA scholarship and have strong case for getting an extension on it. I wonder at what point i should leave and change supervisors so they will get to know me and give me a good reference. Will my present supervisor have to get credit, although he knows little about my topic? Would any supervisor be likely to be willing to take this over after the field work is complete? How would i make it attractive for them under the circumstances if my work is strong and has good results? How could i ensure noone at my present university finds out where i've gone? This seems a bit complicated!

Also, has anyone had any experience with trying to take legal action in an extreme case of mobbing and bullying of a postgraduate with no hard evidence?


You can give me any serious brainstormed ideas if you are interested in this question, perhaps! :-)