The title sneaks an assumption in. My experience as a PhD was different: I did not see any abuse, and my supervisor - who had a reputation as a grumpy old man -

The title sneaks an assumption in. My experience as a PhD was different: I did not see any abuse, and my supervisor - who had a reputation as a grumpy old man - was exceptionally kind and supportive. I don't claim that my experience is typical either, and I've certainly heard some nightmare stories. But I'd want to see more evidence before assuming that abuse is common all over academia.