AustLit

'I write to you first of all as Rosie, the little girl that really was once upon a time, over forty-five years ago. The little girl growing up on a farm with two younger brothers and a dad who you loved but just didn't know how to get close to you. The dad who worked hard and read his newspapers but didn't know how to hug you, encourage you or tell you that he loved you. ' (Introduction)

A profoundly moving and inspiring memoir from Australia's domestic violence crusader, Rosie Batty.

'Rosie Batty knows pain no woman should have to suffer. Her son was killed by his father in a violent incident in February 2014, a horrendous event that shocked not only the nation, but the world. Greg Anderson murdered his 11-year-old son Luke and was then shot by police at the Tyabb cricket oval. Rosie had suffered years of family violence, and had had intervention and custody orders in place in an effort to protect herself and her son. She believes the killing was Greg's final act of control over her.

'Since the events of last February, Rosie has become an outspoken crusader against domestic violence, winning hearts and mind all over Australia with her compassion, courage, grace and forgiveness. In the wake of the tragedy, Rosie's advocacy work has forced an unprecedented national focus on family violence, with the Victorian Labor government establishing Australia's first royal commission into family violence, and committing a further $30 million over four years to protect women and children at high risk of family violence. The then Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay called it 'the Rosie Batty factor'. In January 2015, Rosie was named Australian of the Year, 2015.

'Inspiring, heartfelt and profoundly moving, this is Rosie's story.

'A percentage of royalties from sales of this book are going to the Luke Batty Foundation.' (Publication summary)