A woman who claims that the former head of David Jones sexually harassed her has spoken of the personal and professional impact the matter has had on her life.

Kristy Fraser-Kirk, 25, a junior publicist who is suing former David Jones chief executive Mark McInnes and the retail giant for about $37 million, said the alleged harassment had been devastating.

Speaking at her Cremorne home in Sydney this afternoon, Ms Fraser-Kirk thanked her family and friends who supported her decision to take legal action.

"I’m a young woman standing here today simply because I said it wasn't OK, because I said that this should never happen to me or to anyone," she said.