In addition to being apprehensive of hurting their future career prospects, some of the women are also worried about retaliation from the men themselves.

“Everything in this town is predicated on relationships,” said one woman who works in public relations (PR). “Why make waves? That could be the next person to hire you.”

Several of the women said working on K Street requires them to routinely deal with unwanted touching, inappropriate comments or text messages, and suggestive remarks about their bodies and appearances.