
There is one single word that Rosie Batty identifies with the most. And it’s the one thing she says has kept her moving forward.
Australia’s most well known, and well loved, advocate for victims of family violence is one of 200 incredible women from across the world honoured in Westpac’s 200 women: The Listening Ground exhibition and podcast, which showcases the stories of 200 diverse, awe-inspiring women who will change the way you see the world from different parts of the globe.
And if there was one woman’s story that shook Australia into paying attention to the most urgent violence epidemic of the nation, it was Batty’s.
On February 12, 2014, Batty’s son Luke, just 11 years old, was murdered by his father while at cricket practice in Melbourne.
The very same day, Rosie Batty did something no-one expected her to do.
She told her story.
“On the day Luke died, I astounded many people by talking to the media,” Batty describes in Westpac’s 200 women: who will change the way you see the world book.
Rosie with her son, Luke.
“I felt like there was nothing more that could hurt me. So, I stood up to handle things for myself… I said that family violence could happen to anyone, no matter how intelligent you are or what kind of house you live in.”
That day, on February 12, her words were clear and heartfelt, crystallising the experience of countless women across Australia, trapped inside the same pain.
"When you're involved with family violence, friends, family judge you, the woman. The decisions you should make, the decisions you don't make… You're the victim, but you become the person that people condemn,” she told media.
Since that day, Rosie has become one of Australia’s most respected voices on domestic violence, working tirelessly to ensure no other family or mother has to endure what she and Luke had been through.