What About the Straights? The Absence of Heteronormativity and the Erasure of Heterosexuality in Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Policy

Abstract Purpose This article examines how heterosexuality has been rendered invisible in family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) research, policy, and advocacy. At the same time, heteronormativity—the structural system that privileges heterosexuality as the norm and reinforces social hierarchies of citizenship and belonging—is framed as impacting only LGBTQ+ people. However, we argue that while heterosexual people are deeply shaped by heteronormativity, this has failed to be considered in FDSV policy. Methods We trace the feminist critique of heterosexuality and its consequences for heterosexual women, before turning to queer theory’s conceptualization of heteronormativity as a system that governs both LGBTQ + and heterosexual lives. Despite these critical insights, FDSV policy has largely failed to engage with the structural implications of heteronormativity. To demonstrate this gap, we conduct a close analysis of two key Australian policy frameworks: Change the Story (Our Watch) and the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (Federal Government). Results We find that both policies neglect the role of heteronormativity in producing and sustaining gendered violence, ultimately erasing heterosexuality as a site of analysis and intervention. Conclusions We call for FDSV research, policy and advocacy to meaningfully engage with heteronormativity—not only as an LGBTQ+ issue, but as a system that also constrains and harms heterosexual people. We argue that both queer and heterosexual scholars and practitioners should incorporate structural analyses of sexuality in future FDSV work.