Relationships where a power differential exists introduce this important element, the possibility of reprisals.
When there is a power differential in the relationship, the person with subordinate status might perceive reasonably that there is risk of some type of retaliation if she or he refuses a sexual request or demonstrates that the sexually oriented behaviour is unwelcome.
Agreeing to a sexual request would not necessarily mean that consent is given as shown in the Robichaud and Dupuis case. Refer to Shirley Katz’s article on "Consensual Sexual Relations between Students and Faculty" for more background to this question within the Canadian higher education context.
If the person decides to refuse or to object to the behaviour, the environment might become poisoned for this person as future events might be more readily perceived as reprisals for refusing to accept the conduct.
Dupuis demonstrates that the person in power has the responsibility to ensure that his or her behaviour is welcome by the subordinate and continues to be welcome. However, even when consent to a sexual relationship has clearly been given in relationships where a power differential exists, such relationships are problematic as they are conflict of interest situations, which might be difficult to address and resolve. Third parties might perceive such relationships as fostering favouritism or poisoning the environment (implicit message in the work or study environment for others may be that sex is a condition for success at work or in their studies).
