Our Watch CEO Mary Barry is confident the AFL shares her position that payments should not be made in lieu of a proper investigation into claims of sexual harassment or where it might compromise the victim's path to a proper resolution.
However Barry said confidentiality, at the request of the victim, could be a key part of any resolution to protect them from further harassment.
Barry, who heads the national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women by addressing the key drivers of this violence, was part of the advisory group helping the AFL develop their updated respect and responsibility policy that came into effect late last year.
The processes attached to the AFL's respect and responsibility have come under fire following Fairfax Media's revelation that Fremantle coach Ross Lyon had reached a confidential settlement with a junior staffer who alleged she was harassed by Lyon.
The AFL's integrity department had investigated the matter under the respect and responsibility policy and were satisfied with the outcome.
The controversy arose following the suspension of Port Adelaide's Sam Powell-Pepper for making inappropriate contact with a female.
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"While we cannot comment on individual cases, Our Watch would never support women being silenced," Barry said.
"Our Watch does not condone payments made in lieu of a proper investigation, or if this compromises the autonomy of the victim in choosing their preferred path to resolution.
"We are confident that this is also the AFLs position."
The AFL came under fire last week when their CEO Gill McLachlan appeared to approve payments being made to silence victims however the AFL later moved to clarify his comments saying McLachlan in no way endorsed hush money being paid.
Barry said the policy needed to be implemented consistently across all complaints while protecting the rights of all parties.
"Regarding penalties and compensation, there is a raft of measures that can be used, but these must be part of a fair and transparent process, respecting the autonomy of the victim," Barry said.
She said the AFL has made a genuine commitment to addressing gender inequality and recognised the need to constantly evaluate and review their policy.
"Gender inequality, particularly in the sporting context, is a complex and serious problem and will not be fixed in a short time frame or by one new policy alone," Barry said.
"A respect and responsibility policy, in any sporting code or in any other workplace is only one aspect of the behavioural and cultural changes needed to increase gender equality."
Barry said research showed that key drivers of violence against women included disrespect towards women and male peer relations that emphasise disrespect and aggression.
"We have been working with the AFL for just three years and in that short time, the leagues desire to change and its commitment to taking action have been clear," Barry said.
"While we have seen some genuine improvements, we fully appreciate that there is still much to be done."
The processes attached to the policy have been scrutinised this week in the wake of the Lyon revelations and the investigation into the actions of Port Adelaide player Sam Powell-Pepper.
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Peter Ryan joined The Age in 2017 having covered AFL as a senior reporter with AFL Media.
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