Rosie Batty gives voice to those too afraid to speak out

Australian of the Year and committed family violence campaigner Rosie Batty will speak at Deakin’s Waterfront campus in Geelong later this month to launch her touching memoir A Mother’s Story.

Rosie will be ‘in conversation’ on Tuesday 22 September at Deakin’s Costa Hall to reveal the heartache, grief, passion and purpose that drives her to advocate for an end to domestic violence.

Rosie’s son Luke was murdered by his father last year.

Since that day, Rosie’s tireless campaigning led her to be named Australian of the Year this year, an accolade that has increased her efforts to raise awareness of the scourge of family violence.

Every week in Australia, one woman is killed as a result of family violence. Every three hours a woman is hospitalised with injuries caused by family violence. Statistics show children are present in one of every three attacks.

Deakin Vice Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said that Rosie has won hearts and minds all over Australia with her compassion, grace and forgiveness.

“As Australian of the Year, Rosie’s passion and advocacy has focused the nation’s gaze on ending family violence,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Rosie’s courageous commitment to change attitudes to family violence has given a voice to thousands of Australians who have been too afraid to speak out.

“Deakin University is proud of our inclusive, safe and respectful culture and we are deeply committed to providing support to staff who experience domestic or family violence.

“It is unacceptable to be violent towards anyone and this includes women and children who are often the brunt of systematic and prolonged violence in the family home, every day in Australia.

“Together we must unite to stop this destructive behaviour.

“On behalf of Deakin, it’s a privilege to welcome Rosie Batty to Deakin for this event and I encourage people to attend and hear her profoundly moving story.”

Rosie Batty: In Conversation
Date:           Tuesday 22 September
Time:          7 – 8.30pm
Location:   Costa Hall, Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront campus
Cost:          $25 adult, $20 concession. A percentage of proceeds will be directed to the Luke Batty Foundation.
Bookings:  Book online or call 03 5255 1200