Quid pro quo directly translates in Latin to “something for something”. This simply means that an employee can only receive something upon giving something else to the employer. Thus, quid pro quo harassment takes place whenever a superior will only grant an employee certain benefits if he/she agrees to reciprocate in sexual favors.
Understanding Quid Pro Quo Harassment
An employee does not need to be afraid when encountering such a demeaning situation of quid pro quo harassment and this applies to both men and women. If an authoritative figure offers an employee certain perk only upon agreeing to return sexual favors, the employee is advised to simply leave the vicinity and lodge a report.
Why Should You Hire Attorneys for Quid Pro Quo Harassment?
An attorney dealing with cases of quid pro quo harassment is specialized to handle the claims made by the victim. The attorney can perform an analysis of the situation by weighing in on the facts provided to be applied against relevant laws to determine what the rights of the victim are and what is the best next course of action to be taken.
Common FAQs about Quid Pro Quo Harassment
The victim needs to prove the following elements:
Victim was an employee of the company or has applied for a position there.
The alleged accused party had made unwanted sexual advances to the victim either physically or verbally.
Certain perks or benefits were offered on the condition of the victim agreeing to return sexual favors, or the acceptance of a job application is based on the victim’s agreement to return sexual favors.
At the time of the alleged harassment, the alleged accused party was an authoritative figure or an agent working for that company.
The victim was harmed in one way or another by the alleged harassment.
The alleged accused party’s behavior was the main reason for the victim’s harm.
A quid pro quo harassment is when an authoritative figure offers an employee certain benefits in return of sexual favors. This may be misunderstood with other types of harassment that are more inclined towards a sexual nature either in verbal or physical forms which are unwanted but the situation does not involve any offers of perks which were accompanied with conditions of receiving sexual favors in return.
The victim can first try reporting the situation to his or her manager, supervisor or human resources. They should also seek llegal advice.
If words of the matter get out, the company could stand losing their hard-earned reputation which may in turn cause a potential loss of business to a certain degree.
Any offers of benefits or perks made by a manager or an authoritative figure who expects sexual favors in return constitute toward quid pro quo harassment. The offers could include but are not limited to the following:
Acceptance of a job application
Job promotions
Increased benefits
Recognition
…and more.
Choose Carcich O'Shea, LLC for Experienced Employment Law Attorneys
You can put your absolute trust in our law firm to handle your case with the right tools and ample knowledge. Our attorneys emphasize on transparency with our clients on top of supporting close collaboration to avoid any poor following of cases. We have built a credible reputation over the years with a significant expansion of our portfolio with positive feedback from past clients.
If you have more questions about our legal expertise in quid pro quo harassment, feel free to contact us today. Alternatively, you may call us at 201-988-1308 or send an email to carcichoshea@gmail.com.
