On February 12, 2014, Luke Batty, then 11 years old, was murdered by his father while at cricket practice in Melbourne.
The very next day, his mother, Rosie Batty, began a public campaign to raise awareness of family violence. She has since become one of Australia’s most respected voices on domestic violence, working tirelessly to ensure no other family or mother has to endure what she and Luke had been through.
Yesterday, had his life not been tragically cut short, Luke would have celebrated his 15th birthday.
Posting on the Luke Batty Foundation's Facebook page, Rosie shared a heartfelt message for her son on his special day.
"Happy birthday to my beautiful Luke. We all miss you so much," Rosie wrote.
"I am celebrating you today. There's an entire community campaigning for change in your memory. We've achieved a lot since we started Never Alone two years ago to this day.
"I know you'd be really proud of us. From Mum."
Others shared their own messages of support and thanks for Rosie and Luke on her post.
"That boy is changing Australia with the help of his Mumma," one woman wrote.
"Happy Heavenly Birthday Luke. You have an amazing mumma. And we are all so proud of her," another posted.
LISTEN: Maria Lutz and her two children were gassed in their home by her husband. It’s the tragedy that stopped us in our tracks. (Post continues after audio...)
The year after Luke's death, Rosie was presented with the 2015 Australian of the Year Award.
During her acceptance speech, she said, family violence "is an entrenched epidemic that we've lived with since time began, so we've got a long way to go."
But, she added, "I do believe the tide is turned. It's no longer a subject that only occurs behind closed doors."
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT.
Top Comments
Oh god, I knew that I'd cry if I read this! She is so amazing, brave and strong. Her boy was the same age as mine, my son just turned 15. I can't even to begin to imagine what it would be like to not have him here and taken from me by his father. Counting my blessings at the moment.
It's amazing that if there is an article about this courageous lady on conservative websites, the vitreoul from some of the men on these sites is sickening. It's as if they have guilty consciences or are appalled that it's somehow wrong to give the missus a back hander every now and then. Lots of knuckledraggers out there
I find it distressing that this wonderful, brave woman is vilified by members of our society, purely for raising awareness about family violence. I agree, they must have something to feel guilty about if they can have a go at Rosie for her work. I don't know how she does it and I think she is one of the most admirable people alive. I find her strength inspirational and her boy would be so proud of her and the work she is doing in his name.
I think for some of these men she reveals uncomfortable truths