Identifying sexual harassment

(1) Quid pro quo harassment

Quid pro quo harassment, you'll recall, is the "put-out-or-get-out" attitude by a supervisor. It is the least common, as we have said, but when it occurs in large companies, law firms or government agencies, it frequently makes the headlines and results in huge penalties or settlements.
      A sexual proposition, even if there is no attempt to punish the individual for refusing the proposition, is sufficient grounds for a complaint.
      In a case where there are no witnesses, courts take into consideration the credibility of the parties, testimony of other employees and other aspects of the work environment. What is especially damaging for an employer is where others knew of the harassment but did nothing. When someone finally complains and the word gets out, it often turns out that this person has harassed others in the same manner.