Quid Pro Quo Harassment – What You Need to Know

Workplace sexual harassment can take place in many different forms and is something that both employers and employees need to be aware of. Though it can’t be defined as just one behaviour, sexual harassment always includes discrimination based on sex and is exceptionally harmful to those who experience it. Employers have a duty to take steps to prevent sexual harassment and must address complaints of sexual harassment, ensuring a safe environment for all employees.

In our previous article, What is Considered Sexual Harassment in The Workplace, we detailed some of the ways in which sexual harassment may take place. “Quid pro quo” is one such way in which workplace sexual harassment happens. This generally looks like someone in a position of power asking for sex or sexual favours in exchange for a benefit to the other party. Though this form of harassment most famously takes place in Hollywood, it can and does happen in all types of workplace environments.

In this article, we help you understand what quid pro quo sexual harassment is and how you can spot it in the workplace. If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace it is a good idea to seek help from an expert sexual harassment lawyer.

What Is an Example of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

Quid quo pro or “deal for deal” sexual harassment takes place when someone, often a person in a position of power, asks another for sex or sexual favours in exchange for a benefit. This can mean being offered a raise or promotion in exchange for sex but can also include other benefits to the person being harassed. Regardless of what is being offered, it is never acceptable for someone to ask for sex in exchange for a benefit. In the workplace this is an exceptionally harmful request as in some cases employees may feel they have no choice but to accept the request.

Can Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Take Place Between Employees?

When quid quo pro sexual harassment takes place, it often involves an employer, supervisor, or someone in a place of authority requesting sex from those who they employ or have influence over. In some cases, this could take place between employees of similar employment status, though generally, it takes place between someone of greater and lesser status in the workplace.

Can I Be Fired for Refusing a Quid Pro Quo Advance?

If you have been offered a benefit in exchange for sex and refused, only later to be let go from your place of employment, you should contact a dismissal lawyer. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and you do not have to accept what happened to you. A dismissal and employment lawyer with experience in workplace sexual harassment case

What Can I Do If I Have Experienced a Quid Pro Quo Request?

If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace you may wish to seek help from both an employment lawyer and your local police service. Sexual harassment is illegal, and no one can ask you to have sex in exchange for benefits such as a promotion or raise at work. This form of sexual harassment may constitute a criminal offence and should be taken seriously. Speaking with a lawyer is a good first place to start within helping you to understand your rights as an employee. If you have concerns about sexual harassment in your workplace and feel safe doing so, you may also wish to report the incident to your employer. Employers have a duty to both respond to complaints of sexual harassment and also be proactive in preventing it in the workplace. You deserve to feel safe in your workplace and be protected against sexual harassment. Let the experts at Soni Law Firm assist you in addressing your workplace sexual harassment concerns.

About Post Author

Rahul

Rahul founded Soni Law Firm, a boutique employment, labour, and human rights law firm, with the goal of taking his Downtown Toronto litigation experience and making it accessible to Ontario’s Main Street employees and employers.