Rosie Batty at the launch of her book in Perth.WHEN your son is murdered in front of you by his own father, it is nothing short of life-changing.
Camera IconRosie Batty at the launch of her book in Perth.WHEN your son is murdered in front of you by his own father, it is nothing short of life-changing. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Tragedy inspires book

Susanne ReillySouthern Gazette

That change for Rosie Batty pushed her to make sure her son Luke didn't die in vain.

The 2015 Australian of the Year has spent the last year advocating for changes in laws, funding and attitudes when it comes to family violence in Australia.

She has been a family violence campaigner since she first addressed the media outside her home after Luke's death. On that particular day, she told the media that family violence happened to everyone, no matter how nice a house they had or how intelligent they were.

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Since then, she has given a voice to the thousands of victims of domestic and family violence and put it on the national agenda.

But she said there was still a long way to go.

She was in Perth last week to launch her book, A Mother's Story and took a few moments to sit down with the Gazette.

She said there was a gender inequality issue in Australia, which had flow on effects.

"Physical violence isn't the only form of violence. We know there are many forms of violence that exist," she said.

She also said victim blaming was still a huge issue.

"I still get offended when people ask the question"why didn't she leave?"," she said. "That is where we are still at."

She said responsibility should be on the perpetrators of violence.

"It is all up to the victim to leave and keep herself safe. It's up to her find a refuge and get away from the situation. Why isn't there more on the perpetrator to change his ways?"

When it came to the mental health of victim, Ms Batty said it was important to remember there were people and services that could help.

"I've dealt with this for a long time… but it's important to remember there is help.

If you are or know someone experiencing family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT