One year ago today, Rosie Batty’s world changed for ever when her son was brutally murdered in front of her.

On February 12, 2014, Rosie watched Luke’s father, Greg Anderson, stab her son to death on a cricket field in Melbourne.

Today, in the form of a Facebook post, Rosie wrote a letter to her son.

Rosie Batty also tweeted a touching tribute to her beautiful boy.

Rosie Batty at her son’s funeral in 2014.

Rosie had long suffered at the hands of her violent and abusive former partner, but she never suspected he would end up killing their son.

One year ago, Rosie told the media: “I want to tell everybody, that family violence happens to everybody. No matter how nice your house is, how intelligent you are. It can happen to anyone, and everyone.”

Perhaps without realising, Rosie had started her campaign to stop the violence that pervades households and affects families all across Australia.

In one short year Rosie has risen from victim to hero, relentlessly campaigning for victims of domestic violence.

Rosie with her son Luke Batty, who was killed by his father a year ago today.

Most recently, her advocacy earned her our nation’s top honour, — a triumph she dedicated to her son.

“To Luke, you did not die in vain, you will not be forgotten, you are beside me on this journey and with me every step of the way,” she said upon receiving the Australian of the Year award.

“He is the reason I have found my voice, and I am able to be heard.”

Rosie Batty: the 2015 Australian of the Year.

Over the past 12 months, Rosie has not stopped working to create a better world for Australians.

Last year, Rosie established the Luke Batty Foundation to assist women and children impacted by domestic violence.

Read more: Rosie Batty is launching a new app for young women

Her campaigning was also vital in initiating a Victorian royal commission into family violence, which is set to commence this month.

Today we can remember Rosie’s tragic loss, and thank her for her incredible efforts to save the lives of Australian men, women and children.