Victorian anti-family violence campaigner Rosie Batty has been on a quest ever since February, 2014, but not one she chose herself.

Her son Luke, 11, was murdered at a Tyabb cricket ground by his father Greg Anderson in an act of domestic violence which horrified the nation.

Since the tragedy, Ms Batty, 52, has risen to prominence for speaking out about violence in the home. An inquest is underway into her son’s death.

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On Sunday she was recognised for her efforts and named 2015 Australian of the Year, where she dedicated her award to Luke.

“To Luke, my little man, you did not die in vain, and you will not be forgotten. You are beside me on this journey,” Ms Batty said in her acceptance speech.

Ms Batty beat seven other finalists including Deborra-lee Furness (child advocate and adoption campaigner), Hetty Johnston (child protection activist), Professor Lyn Beazley (scientist), Dr Gill Hicks (peace campaigner), Rodney Croome (equality activist), Glenn Keys (business and philanthropic leader), and Rosalie Kunoth-Monkso (humanitarian).

Ms Batty’s story jolted Australia into recognising that family violence can happen to anyone and she has given voice to many thousands of victims who had until then remained unheard. She now makes media and public speaking appearances to shine a spotlight on the issue and calls for change.

“I would like to dedicate this award to my beautiful son, Luke,” she said. “He is the reason I have found my voice and I’m able to be heard.”

In her speech, Ms Batty said family violence was happening behind closed doors and needed to be brought out of the shadows and into broad daylight. She said one in four children, and at least one woman, per week is killed through domestic violence in Australia.

“Indigenous women experience even greater family violence,” Ms Batty said. “These statistics are unacceptable.

“What I personally would like to see and work towards is the cultural change, the actual conversations men have between men, calling it for what it is – it’s a low act, it’s a weak act – and the community response, where we’re not judging the victims by being critical and asking questions like, ‘Why doesn’t she leave?’.”

Out of her horror and tragedy she’s risen to make a difference, to make things better. Very happy to have Rosie Batty as my #AOTY

— Andy Maher (@MGMaherSEN) January 25, 2015

Rosie Batty. Impossible to imagine a more tragic reason -nor a more resilient woman-to be propelled into the hearts & minds of Australians. — Georgina Dent (@georgiedent) January 25, 2015

“Women and children in Victoria will be safer because of Rosie Batty.” – Ken Lay police commissioner #AOTY2015

— Chip Rolley (@ChipRolley) January 25, 2015

Ms Batty called on the government to support those affected by family violence by proving greater intensive care services for victims and their children.

“To the women and children who are unsafe, in hiding or living in fear, who have changed their names, left their extended families and moved from their communities to find safety, you do not deserve to live a life that is dictated by violence,” she said.

“You are not to blame.”

Backed by family violence advocate

Rosie Batty has been supported by outgoing Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay since the tragedy last February.

During his reign as Victoria’s top cop, Mr Lay advocated to stamp out family violence across the state and ran numerous campaigns to assist this.

In a statement released in April Mr Lay praised Ms Batty as the most “remarkable victim” he has ever met, saying she has put domestic violence on the national agenda.

Outgoing Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay. Photo: AAP

“Whilst the first response of many is to blame someone other than the killer, the challenges and issues are sometimes very clear. We need to look no further than the victims like Rosie Batty, together with the thousands of other anonymous victims, to understand the depth and complexity of our challenges,” Mr Lay said.

“Men need to develop the courage to make it clear to their male friends and family members that violence against women is totally unacceptable.”

Mr Lay also nominated Ms Batty for the Pride of Australia Courage medal last year.

Victorian Government’s promise

On January 19, incoming Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the proposed Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Family Violence.

An election promise by his Labor Party, Mr Andrews said the commission would enable a system that “protects the vulnerable, punishes the guilty and saves lives”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

“Family violence is a national emergency, and it’s the number one law and order issue and it can happen to anyone.”

In a statement released on Sunday evening, Mr Andrews congratulated Ms Batty for being ‘the face of dignity and courage in this country’.

“She changed the way Australians comprehend family violence. That her experience was common, not unique, is perhaps the greatest tragedy of all,” Mr Andrews said.

“Too many women and children are victims of this silent crime, and she speaks for those who can’t speak anymore. To have listened to her and learnt from her remains one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.

“I congratulate Rosie on this achievement. I hope this recognition can make her cause ever so louder and ever  more urgent.”

This year’s recipients, all-female cast

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Ms Batty has won the respect and hearts of Australians for the strength of character she has shown, since Luke was killed by his father at a cricket ground in Melbourne almost one year ago.

“Rosie’s story jolted Australia into recognising that family violence can happen to anyone and she has given voice to many thousands of victims of domestic violence who had until then remained unheard,” Mr Abbott said.

“Her courage and willingness to speak out will make Australia a far better and safer place.”

Mr Abbott presented the 2015 Australian Day awards at Parliament House on Sunday.

All four winners were women.

Senior Australian of the Year Jackie French, author. Photo: AAP

Other award winners

Australia’s Local Hero: Juliette Wright, social entrepreneur, Queensland
Founder and chief executive officer of GIVIT, Juliette created the portal to ensure quality goods get to where they are most needed by safely connecting and inspiring an online network of givers. Juliette’s vision, hard work and determination has resulted in donations of more than 126,000 items to disadvantaged members of the Australian community.

Young Australian of the Year: Drisana Levitzke-Gray, deaf advocate, Western Australia
The fifth generation in her family to be born deaf, Drisana  is dedicated to helping other deaf people and advocating their human rights.  Born into a family with deaf parents, a deaf brother and a deaf extended family, Drisana cherishes her first language, Auslan. She promotes the deaf community as one without borders and one of rich language, culture, history and traditions.

Senior Australian of the Year: Jackie French, author, NSW
Living in a shed and needing to register her car, Jackie French wrote her first children’s book, Rainstones, in 1991.  While her editor said it was the messiest, worst spelt manuscript ever received, the book was shortlisted for Children’s Book of the Year and Jackie’s career as a best-selling author began. One of the few writers to win both literary and children’s choice awards, Jackie has published 140 books in 32 languages and received more than 60 literary prizes for beloved children’s classics such as Diary of a Wombat. Overcoming dyslexia herself, Jackie is a tireless advocate for children with learning difficulties.