If you are part of the California workforce, chances are you have some idea of what constitutes sexual harassment and why it is illegal. But do you know that there are several different types of sexual harassment and applicable laws? In today’s post, we want to help readers better understand quid pro quo sexual harassment – what it is and how to get help.
What is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo means “this for that” in Latin. As the name implies, this type of sexual harassment occurs when one person requests or demands sexual favors from someone else in exchange for workplace benefits.
Some examples of quid pro quo sexual harassment include:
- Your supervisor offers you an attractive bonus, but only if you submit to a sexual act or favor.
- Your employer threatens you with termination unless you submit to his or her sexual demands.
- You deny your employer’s advances and then find that you are assigned to less desirable duties or shifts than usual.
These are just a few examples of the types of scenarios that may constitute quid pro quo sexual harassment. There are many other possibilities.
There are some important things to note about quid pro quo sexual harassment:
- Harassment can take place anywhere – not just in the workplace.
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment can be perpetrated by a supervisor, employer, owner, coworker, customer, or vendor.
- Harassment may include sexual advances, requests, or demands.
- Harassment can be explicit or implied.
- Statistically, most sexual harassment is perpetrated by men toward women, but California laws recognize that women can be the aggressor.
- It is illegal to retaliate against any employee who reports sexual harassment in the workplace.
What to Do if You Are a Victim of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
If you are a quid pro quo sexual harassment victim, you should know that California has laws that will protect you. Contact Proxy Law Firm to learn about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for pay, pain and suffering, and more.
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