Employees may face sexual harassment problems at the workplace. This often involves a superior. A very common type of harassment is quid pro quo harassment. It is the act of asking for a sexual favor in exchange for something. A superior might offer their subordinate incentives like promotions and better opportunities in order to persuade them to perform sexual acts. If you were hired on the basis of a sexual favor, that is also considered quid pro quo harassment.
Facing quid pro quo harassment can be emotionally challenging for the employee. But there are certain ways in which you may file a complaint with the relevant authorities. To prove a quid pro quo harassment claim, there are certain things that need to be established.
- The alleged harasser made unwanted sexual advances towards the employee.
- Some benefit was offered in return for sexual favors.
- The prosecution must also establish that both employees were working for the same organization at the time of the harassment.
- It is also important to establish that the sexual advances were a cause of harm for the plaintiff.
Accepting the sexual advances does not mean that you cannot file a complaint afterward. However, if the advances were rejected, the judge might ask for proof that rejecting the advances lead to adverse working conditions for the plaintiff. There is a chance that you will receive compensation as well as back pay if the quid pro quo harassment is proven in court.
Facing quid pro quo harassment can be challenging, but it is important to stay calm and contact an experienced employment attorney. The attorney will go over your rights and help you file a complaint.
