THERE was a cruel irony in Australian of the Year Rosie Batty accepting the award from Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
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Let’s face it, the one person – above all others – that Ms Batty would have wanted to see her formally accept the honour was her son Luke, but it was the 11-year-old’s death that set in train the events which led to the award.
Luke Batty was murdered by his father Greg Anderson last February at Tyabb cricket ground, south-east of Melbourne.
Ms Batty’s response to this tragedy was to fight back. She has become a voice – and the very public face – of domestic violence victims.
Speaking after the formal ceremony outside Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, Ms Batty said: “I am truly honoured. I would like to dedicate this award to my beautiful son Luke. He’s the reason I have found my voice and I’m able to be heard.
“Whilst we celebrate the wonderful country that we live in today, there remains a serious epidemic across our nation.
“No matter where you live, family violence exists in every pocket of every neighbourhood. Family violence may happen behind closed doors but it needs to be brought out from these shadows and into broad daylight.
“One in six women has experienced physical or sexual abuse by a current or a former partner, including some of those celebrating with us today.”
According to Ms Batty, at least one woman a week, on average, dies in a domestic violence situation and indigenous women “experience even greater family violence”.
Ms Batty rightly described these statistics as unacceptable and indisputable and has called on the government for strong leadership to end family violence and provide support for those who need it.
She added: “And to the Australian people, look around. Do not ignore what you see and what you know is wrong.
“Raise the conversation and don't shy away from this uncomfortable topic. We cannot do this without you.”
After her son’s death Ms Batty could have retreated into obscurity and tried to rebuild her life. Instead, she is putting herself in the spotlight – which includes making herself a target for criticism from some quarters – to give a voice to an often-ignored issue.
Having already lost her beloved son, Ms Batty isn’t going to be helping herself very much, but she will hopefully see changes made to help others.
Now that sounds pretty Australian to me.