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Sexual harassment is a case that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This describes the fact that harassment can go into two high different categories that are like different sides of the same coin; quid pro quo (which is like non-consensual/beneficial) and the other type of harassment which is in a hostile work environment.

Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when a person of a higher rank or position employs his or her authority against a lower ranked employee and garners sexual favors or activities of a sexual nature in order for the victim to gain some form of benefit within his or her power. Favors consist of illicit activities that could put the whole company in a scandal, not to mention that the victim usually ends up losing more than what he or she might gain.

Hostile work environments are far worse than quid pro quo. The employee is subjected to violent and discriminatory conditions based upon his or her gender, with the work conditions enough to cause severe physical and mental damage to the victim. Physical violence, mental trauma, social withdrawal and similar conditions happen due to sexual harassment of this nature. A person’s worth can also be undermined because of their gender. Off color, sexual jokes are usually spread and lewd pictures of the victim are some of the harassment done by harassers to their victims.

The law only works if the victim himself or herself takes initiative and brings the case to light. There have been a lot of cases in the past when victims did not take the case to court and had delayed it for far too long, making the case null. Victims should report sexual harassment as soon as possible to the authorities. Especially if the management is unaware of this, or if the management itself is the source of harassment.

In quid pro quo cases, victims must not accept the compensation of a sexual favor, like a job promotion or a raise. Agreeing to the conditions might work against you. As much as possible, resist the temptation of the favors. If you were extorted, the next best thing to do is to report it as soon as possible.

To find out exactly how employee harassment happens, visit this website about harassment and bullying in the work place.