Quid Pro Quo

Quid pro quo means "this for that" in Latin. This type of sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of power asks another individual for a sexual favor. In exchange, this person in power will give the individual something (such as higher wages or a promotion). In some cases, these sexual favors may be expected merely for the employee to keep his or her current job.

Examples of quid pro quo sexual harassment include the following:

• A supervisor asks for sexual favors before he or she hires or promotes an individual.
• A manager threatens retaliation if an employee does not give or continue sexual favors. Retaliation threats can include termination, transfers, demotions, or other actions that will negatively affect the employee.
• A supervisor promising or giving an employee a pay raise due to either current sexual favors or the assumption of sexual favors.
• A department director selecting an employee for a convention trip to an ideal location, such as San Diego, with an expectation that the employee will perform sexual favors in return.

To learn more about Sexual Harassment Prevention For Employees visit our Cal/OSHA Sexual Harassment Prevention For Employees Online Training web page.