Recognizing Quid-Pro-Quo Sexual Harassment

At this point, everyone knows about sexual harassment and most people have a good idea about what kind of behavior to be on the look-out for. One of the most common forms of sexual harassment is called “quid pro quo” harassment, and sometimes employees can be afraid to report it or even say no.

What is it?

“Quid pro quo” means “this for that,” and in terms of sexual harassment, it occurs when an employer or supervisor promises a raise or other benefits in exchange for a sexual favor. For example, if a supervisor offers an employee a competitive promotion on the condition that the employee sleeps with him, the supervisor is guilty of committing quid-pro-quo sexual harassment.

Employees who are the victims of quid-pro-quo harassment can be embarrassed to come forward, or can fear the consequences of not submitting to the supervisor’s sexual advances. After all, you might worry that by failing to play along with the sexual harassment, you might be jeopardizing your chances for advancement.

But it is important to realize that this behavior is illegal, and if your employer or supervisor is behaving like this, he or she has broken the law. Whether or not you as an employee submit to the advances or not, the supervisor has committed a crime.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been the victim of quid-pro-quo sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the Austin labor attorneys of The Melton Law Firm by calling (512) 330-0017.