Iam64
Bags, the incident you refer to ‘you’ll go far in the conservative party’ involved rather more than a hand on a knee. The young man complained at the time
That aside, if you genuinely don’t understand why some people don’t immediately complain, or should seek assertiveness training - im not going to try and explain it.
When I started teaching, I was young and keen to impress. After I'd been in the job a few weeks, my male line manager told me that I had nice breasts, but I should try wearing a more uplifting bra. I was embarrassed and mortified, but this man was my boss and I was in shock. I hadn't been told how to complain, so I didn't. I still remember how I felt and can understand why people don't complain about those in power.
PS. I'm wiser now.