Ms Batty, whose son Luke was murdered by his father Greg Anderson at cricket practice in February, has become a beacon of hope to the many victims of family violence thanks to her courage in speaking out about the issue.

The community would have understood if Ms Batty had decided to retreat into her shell after suffering the loss of her beloved 12-year-old boy under such horrific circumstances, instead she has become an inspiration.

In the hours after her son’s murder, Ms Batty laid the issue of family violence firmly on the line as an issue that demanded urgent attention when she said it did not matter how rich you were or how intelligent you were, you could still be a victim.

The death of Luke and the courage of his mother forced Australia to sit up and listen.

Family violence is no longer a hidden crisis shrouded in shame and stigma, it is being discussed openly and has become an election issue in Victoria with both sides of politics promising to find bigger and better ways to tackle it. 

The state’s chief police commissioner, Ken Lay,  has publicly commended Ms Batty for her stance and he too has vowed to play a leading role in fighting it.

Family violence happens every day in Australia and it is mainly women and children who are the victims.

The physical, emotional and social cost of it is immeasurable but it continues to fester in communities causing untold damage to families.

The National Australia Day Council said Ms Batty had transcended personal tragedy to give a voice to victims.

Not everyone has the courage of the new Victorian of the Year and there are many women who are forced to suffer in silence at the hands of their abusers, but they should take heart because there is hope and it is being driven by strong, resilient women like Ms Batty.

Ms Batty received a standing ovation when she accepted her award.