New domestic violence chief Hayley Foster calls for national definition

Hayley Foster says the nation is at a critical moment that must not be wasted.

Hayley Foster has been appointed the new head of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia. Picture: Ryan Osland

Australia must urgently develop a national and consistent definition of domestic and family violence, and with the nation galvanised by movements from former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and consent advocate Chanel Contos, the time is ripe to do it.

That’s according to the new chief of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia Hayley Foster who says the nation is at a critical moment that must not be wasted.

Earlier this month, she stepped down from her role as CEO of Women’s Safety NSW where she was a leading voice on women’s safety, justice and wellbeing.

Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia is known for its pre-eminent trauma specialist counselling services for survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence across Australia, and more recently for its growing work with corporates, advising them on policy and delivering workplace training and employment assistance program counselling services.

Developing a definition will be a challenge, but Ms Foster says by working across all states and territories in the new national position it is achievable.

“Developing a consistent understanding of domestic violence is really important,” she says. “It needs to be one that incorporates coercive control, financial abuse and technological abuse.”

There is a widespread acknowledgment that coercive control and financial abuse must be front and centre in the definition, she says, but a new and emerging form of abuse called technology-facilitated abuse must be included as well.

Experts say this form of abuse is on the rise, covering everything from abuse texts, tracking women on smartphones, stalking social media posts and sending threatening texts.

Ms Foster said developing a national understanding is also crucial in helping dispel discrepancies between each state which can impact the experience of survivors of assault and sexual abuse when accessing critical services.

“We need to drive reforms in each state in terms of survivors accessing justice and especially the experience of survivors accessing justice because we see a lot of variants between each state’s jurisdiction.”

“This way we can make sure we have strong and clear laws so the community can understand what’s acceptable, but also how it needs to work in practice so people can access justice.”

As part of the new role, Ms Foster has a spotlight on the Morrison government’s new advisory group which will inform the development of the National Plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia.

The group, which was announced this week, had its first virtual meeting, chaired by the Minister for Women Marise Payne alongside Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston.

While advocating for these critical issues in a national context is a top priority, Ms Foster has not lost focus on the core mission of her organisation.

“What I really want to see with this position is to keep supporting high quality services to people affected by sexual, domestic or family violence. This includes women, children and members of the LGBTIQA community,” she said. “And I want everybody in the community to know that these services are available to anyone.”

Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia was previously helmed by Karen Willis OAM, who has worked tirelessly for over 40 years in the sector, during which she made a major contribution to law reform, specialist sexual assault courts, workplace responsibilities and challenging victim blaming attitudes.

Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia Chair Debbie Brewin said Ms Foster is the right leader to take the organisation forward at this critical time.

“There has never been a more important time for strong, intelligent leadership to prevent and respond to sexual, domestic and family violence,” Ms Brewin said.

“Hayley Foster brings with her two decades worth of knowledge, skills and experience, a solid business acumen and an unwavering commitment to achieving gender equality and ending gender-based violence.”