Bitch boss
I had one like that around 3 years ago. I'd had to leave my old post in mental health as 2 family members had MH probs, and looking after people in & out of work had burned me out. My HR people were great and, after a fair bit of sick leave, helped me into an admin/support role - not my first choice, but I was working again, and I've since found a more challenging role in the same organisation.
However, the manager of my first workplace on my return from serious depression/anxiety probs - which she knew about - was the worst kind of control-freak, manipulative cow. I saw her make another person (who'd had to switch to admin after her back gave out doing personal care) cry whilst 'training' her. She went on to pay for training in her spare time rather than ask for any more help.
When I started back at work my confidence was rock bottom and I found eye contact very difficult. The cow decided I was actually staring at her chest - her words (as if - I love my partner & wouldn't look elsewhere).
More HR goodness, in the form of a mediated meeting seemed to have cleared up the misunderstanding, until a few weeks later when I started to get all the tedious tasks, which I did cheerfully, as I was close to getting another job. Then she made a formal complaint, alleging harassment.
HR to the rescue again - a week's gardening leave to consider my counter-statement, which dovetailed neatly with my summer hols (a week in Amsterdam - yay!) and a new post at a lovely office. That lasted 6 months and I've had my current job for over 2 years now, still see the bitch from time to time, but ignore her - hopefully that way no-one will think I'm staring.
Apols for length/lack of funnies - good to get it off my 'chest'! I wish you all the luck I had in getting away from the bitch in my life.
(sarcastic fringehead feet of clay, buns of steel, head of lettuce, Sun 2 May 2010, 20:41, 1 reply)

Feelin your pain brother
Thanks for that great reply. I'm so glad a good HR department was able to help you out, unfortunately if you have a problem in HR it is not easily worked out. An odd quandary I'm sure you'll agree. I've been close to break down over this and I'm only 28. It is the most spiteful office, lots of young women who are out for themselves.
(CaptainCuntyBollocks the man who can with a frying pan full of lamb, Sun 2 May 2010, 21:35, closed)