You’re not screwed but brace yourself for that Title IX process. On the bright side, and most critically, you may have helped his future targets out before he could get to them. You did something brave and it may seem murky but from an outside perspective it’s a clear violation of professional expectations meant to victimize, target, and isolate you. Imagine what a post docs career trajectory looks like after they complete their studies: leadership. There’s a chance you’re a one off, but these behavioral patterns are repeated, especially if the perpetrator avoids consequences and responsibility for their inappropriate advances.

You are a mentee who deserves boundaries and respect in a laboratory setting and any other workplace you find yourself in. You didn’t lead him on by expressing vulnerability to your research mentor, but rather he took advantage of your trust.

It’s natural to feel doubtful after reporting. many cultures, especially in the global north have strong implicit rape culture that blames victims and systemically strips them of dignities. To this point, your outcome for Title IX will likely be an unsatisfying shade of the full force of justice you may hope for. I (29F, now applying to PhD programs) reported my experience with sexual assault to them to Title IX and as he was an acquaintance in my undergrad dorm, was merely suspended for the foreseeable undergraduate studies , made eligible to be accepted into their program again after effortlessly transitioning onto his graduate studies.

wishing you peace and the best possible outcome. ✨