Anthony Foster: Family accept state funeral for 'brave' child sex abuse victim advocate

ABC News
May 28, 2017

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-28/anthony-fosters-family-accept-state-funeral-from-victorian-govt/8567002

Anthony and Chrissie Foster dedicated their lives to seeking justice for child sex abuse.

The couple's daughters Emma (L) and Katie (R) were raped by a priest when they were in primary school.

The family of long-time advocate for child sex abuse victims, Anthony Foster, has accepted an offer from the Victorian Government for a state funeral.

Mr Foster, who died in a Melbourne hospital on Friday, aged 64, after a fall last week, was yesterday hailed as "brave and gracious" and a "hero" for his campaigning for victims.

He dedicated his life to seeking justice for child sex abuse at the hands of the Catholic Church after two of his daughters were repeatedly raped by a priest in the 1980s.

"History will record that a man named Anthony Foster quietly and profoundly changed Australian history," Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement.

"This afternoon, I offered his family a state funeral in his honour.

"His wife, Chrissie, has accepted."

In a two decade-long quest to hold the Catholic Church accountable for crimes against children, Mr Foster and his wife Chrissie told the harrowing story of their family's treatment at the hands of the church to the media and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The couple's daughters Emma and Katie were raped by Melbourne paedophile priest Father Kevin O'Donnell when they were in primary school.

Emma suffered from eating disorders, drug addiction and self harm. In 2008 she overdosed on medication and died at the age of 26.

Katie became a binge drinker as she reached adulthood and was hit by a drunk driver in 1999. She was left physically and mentally disabled, requiring 24-hour care.

Many have paid tribute to Mr Foster, saying without his advocacy, the royal commission would not have taken place.

Mr Andrews said Mr Foster fought "evil acts" committed against his daughters.

"He and Chrissy lost so much, but never their dignity, grace and strength," he said.

"Anthony won't be forgotten, and the fight for justice goes on."

A date for the funeral has not yet been released.