In this article, the Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers of Yadegar, Minoofar & Soleymani LLP explain quid pro quo sexual harassment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) categorizes sexual harassment into two categories: quid pro quo harassment and hostile environment harassment. In this article, the Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers of Yadegar, Minoofar & Soleymani LLP explain quid pro quo sexual harassment.
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Literally translated, quid pro quo means to "something for something" in Latin. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer, or an agent of an employer, uses his or her power to coerce an employee into sexual favors or advances. Generally, a harasser pressures an employee to engage in sexual activity in exchange for a job benefit or the retention of employment.
Job benefits may include, but are not limited to:
Can an Employee File a Quid Pro Quo Harassment Claim?
If an employee is suffering from workplace sexual harassment, he or she should follow the employer’s policies and procedures to report the harassment. An employee’s ability to pursue a legal claim may be negatively impacted if he or she does not report the conduct. In addition, the employee may file a sexual harassment complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency.
An employee may have a viable quid pro quo harassment claim. He or she should consider consulting with an experienced sexual harassment attorney. If an employee is suffering from work-related sexual harassment, an attorney can help him or her understand potential legal options and how to proceed.
