Quid pro quo sexual harassment is one of the worst classifications of sexual harassment that exists. “Quid pro quo” is a Latin term that essentially means “this for that.” Indeed, quid pro quo sexual harassment certainly is “this for that.” In many cases of sexual harassment, victims are manipulated by their bosses with promises of favors or threats of negative consequences if they don’t perform sexual favors.
If you were victimized by quid pro quo sexual harassment, you may be able to file a lawsuit to pursue justice and restitution in court. However, if you hope to prevail in your case, you’ll need to prove that all of the following is true:
- The victim was employed by or was trying to gain employment with the defendant company.
- The harasser subjected the victim to unwanted sexual advances, or the harasser engaged in unwanted and sexualized physical contact or verbal conduct toward the victim.
- Specific benefits were communicated to the victim, conditioned on accepting the sexual advances or sexual conduct of the harasser; or, employment decisions were made on the basis of whether the plaintiff rejected or accepted sexual advances or sexual conduct.
- The harasser was either a supervisor or an agent of the company at the time of the harassment.
- The alleged conduct harmed the victim.
- The conduct of the harasser in particular directly contributed to the harm of the victim.
No one should ever have to put up with sexual harassment at their jobs. If you’re being targeted in a quid pro quo sexual harassment setup, you have legal rights and options. Explore all of the recourses available in such a case.
Source: Findlaw, “What is quid pro quo harassment?,” accessed May 25, 2018
