HR does not exist to help employees. The only function of HR is to prevent a lawsuit against the company. They pretend to be on the employee's side only to gather information to prevent a lawsuit. After all.... who does HR work for in the first place?
I really thought this was general knowledge (and common sense,) but apparently it needs to be reiterated. HR is not your friend. They will ALWAYS put the company first. Going to HR and expecting to see positive result is utterly naive and unrealistic. Sad but true.