“How on Earth, when you become one of these tragedies — these worse-case scenario tragedies — how do you live with murder?”
–Rosie Batty

Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty has revealed intimate details of her life before and after the death of her son in her new book, A Mother’s Story. She now champions efforts to fight domestic violence, shining a spotlight on the issue and calling for change. Her book is now another important step in this struggle.

In telling detail she reveals how Luke often tried to protect her from his father, never really believing that he would become a victim of the death threats that were aimed at him. Tragically, in   February 2014,  Luke Batty was beaten, stabbed and killed by his father while at cricket practice in front of his mother and shocked onlookers in Tyabb,  south of Melbourne.

The book details Rosie’s battles with the police, courts and authorities, detailing her frustration at a system that consistently let her family down. She recounts how social workers dismissed Luke’s claims that he had seen his father be physically abusive towards her, threatened his life and even how he felt somewhat responsible for his father’s well-being.

However the book does not just focus on the bad times- she also reveals how Luke would go to the library with his father to read, or  play basketball. She also shares with us some of the notes Luke would write to her, which she now treasures.

A Mother’s Story is both inspiring and heart-breaking, and firmly brings the discussion of domestic violence out of the shadows.

If you are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing domestic violence and would like help, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. If anyone is in immediate danger, please call 000. 

Quote source: http://www.abc.net.au/

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