Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a type of sexual discrimination. Sexual harassment is unwelcomed sexual behavior that can encompass a number of activities. One type of sexual harassment is referred to as “quid pro quo” sexual harassment. “Quid pro quo” is a Latin phrase that means “this for that.” In other words, quid pro quo sexual harassment involves the harasser asking the victim for a sexual favor in exchange for something else such as a promotion at work. While many believe that only a woman can be the victim of sexual harassment, in reality the victim of sexual harassment can be either a man or a woman. Furthermore, the victim can be the same sex as the harasser or opposite sex. Despite the fact that sex discrimination laws have been around for many years, sexual harassment continue to plague the workplace. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission receives thousands of sexual harassment claims each year. Employers who sexually harass employees or permit harassment to continue unchecked would have violated the law and would face serious consequences. If you are in need of an employment lawyer because you have suffered quid pro quo sexual harassment it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Lawyer who will make sure your employer is held accountable for violating the law.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs in the workplace when a boss, supervisor, or even a co-worker offers an employee something such as a raise or a promotion in return for that employee's satisfaction of a sexual demand. Oftentimes if the employee refuses, the harasser will retaliate in some way. Examples of sexual harassment include:

• Disciplining an employee because he or she ends a consensual relationship
• Refusing to admit an employee to a training program because he or she refused invitations to go on a date
• Transferring an employee to another department because he or she refused sexual advances

While quid pro quo sexual harassment is a common type of sexual harassment, it is not the only type. In fact, there are many different ways in which sexual harassment occurs. Examples of other types of sexual harassment include: unwanted sexual touching, sexual jokes, actual or attempted sexual assault, and stalking.

Anti-Discrimination Statutory Provisions

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited. FEHA is enforced by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government. It is enforced by the Equal Employee Opportunity Commission.

Consequences of Sexual Harassment in The Workplace

If you suffered sexual harassment in the workplace you have the right to file a complaint with the DFEH or the EEOC in order to hold the harassing party accountable for his or her actions. The consequences of violating the state or federal sexual harassment rules are severe including:

• The employer or employee may have to pay the victim compensation including lost wages and punitive damages
• The employer may have to hire or reinstate the victim
• The employer may have to pay fines and penalties
• The employer may have to enact changes in the polices or practices in order to prevent future violations of the law

Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you have been sexually harassed you should discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced employment lawyer. It is important that you do so immediately as there are time limits for filing sex harassment claims. The staff at VAKILI & LEUS, LLP has years of experience successfully representing clients in a variety of employment related cases including sexual harassment claims, wage-and-hour claims, employment discrimination and other employment law violations. Keep in mind that there are time limits to filing claims. Contact us at 1-855-52LA-LAW (1-855-525-2529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your concerns related to your employment.

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