Rosie Batty marks 13th birthday of son killed by his father, launching a campaign that tells victims of domestic violence they are ‘Never Alone’

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Rosie Batty has marked the 13th birthday of her late son Luke with a new campaign that tells victims of domestic violence they are “Never Alone”.

Luke was murdered by his father in February 2014.

“This would have been Luke’s 13th birthday,” Batty told reporters in Melbourne. “He would now be taller than me, his voice would be deeper, possibly he’d be shaving.

“I see his friends are all growing up and changing, and it is really hard ... [he was] captured in his youth.”

She urged Australians to log on to the website www.neveralone.com.au for the latest information on domestic violence, and also join the political campaign for change.

The campaign urges the community to show support for victims of family violence.

“Women and children are still dying. The epidemic continues to wreak havoc across Australia,” Batty said.

Luke’s murder during cricket practice at a suburban oval in Melbourne shocked the nation, and Batty was named Australian of the Year 2015 for her advocacy on family violence issues.