Many types of workplace sexual harassment are clearly not consensual. If a coworker insults you about your sexual preference or makes inappropriate jokes about the way that you look, it’s obvious that this is not something that you wanted to happen. You’re being directly harassed on the job.
But quid pro quo sexual harassment is a bit different. From the outside, it often appears to be consensual. Even if people see what’s going on, they think that both people are interested in the sexual or romantic relationship that they have. Why is this?
Making an exchange
The thing to remember is that quid pro quo sexual harassment usually means there’s been some sort of exchange. For instance, a boss may want to have a sexual relationship with someone who works under them, and they will get this by promising that person a raise or a promotion. Conversely, they may subtly hint to the person that denying this request would be bad for their standing in the company. The employee may worry about being fired or having their pay cut.
Because the employee is being manipulated in this fashion, it can serve as a way to hide the harassment. It only comes to light later, when the employee comes forward and tells their story, showing that they were coerced or put under duress—manipulating them into a relationship that they never wanted. They may simply have felt that they didn’t have any choice because of the power dynamics at play in the workplace.
These types of harassment cases can get to be very complex, and it’s important for employees to understand all of their rights and the legal steps they can take.
