Sexual harassment can take many different forms in the workplace. In many cases, it is non-consensual conduct. This could include unwanted touching, for example, or lewd jokes made at someone else’s expense. The victim never wanted these things to happen and is being harassed when they do.
But with quid pro quo sexual harassment, it works a bit differently and can look much different from the outside. The term quid pro quo reveals that something is being exchanged between the parties. This exchange can make the harassment appear to be consensual when really it is just a form of manipulation.
How would this happen?
For example, say that someone is a supervisor at a major corporation. They want to have a sexual relationship with one of the employees who works under them. In order to get it, the supervisor promises the employee that they will put them up for promotions or raises, giving them an advantage in their career in exchange for these sexual favors.
In some cases, there can also be a level of blackmail, whether it is implied or directly stated. The employee may understand that if they refuse the relationship, they will be denied all future raises or promotions. Their career could turn into a dead end. They may even be worried about being fired, having their hours reduced, or other types of financial ramifications that could put their life into disarray.
This type of sexual harassment is inappropriate in a professional workplace, and it is very important for victims to understand exactly what legal options they have and what steps to take.