AUSTRALIAN of the Year Rosie Batty has spoken at more than 250 events and addressed more than 70,000 people as she's travelled the country over the past 12 months to share her harrowing experience of family violence. 
She has been a lightning rod for discussion about one of the most insidious social problems this country faces - and an inspiration to victims who now feel more confident to speak out.
On a visit to Adelaide in   November, the woman whose son was killed by his father after cricket training almost two years ago told the 1200-strong crowd: "I'm no longer frightened. I'm free, but at what cost?" Ms Batty has shown extraordinary bravery and dignity in so openly sharing the excruciating experience of losing her son after years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner.
She has had to grieve publicly and, at times, put aside that grief to front the media or meet with others who know her pain. Not only has she raised awareness, but she has agitated for genuine action. Her influence reached global proportions when she met with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, herself a prominent advocate for women's safety, during the royals' recent visit to Adelaide.
Ms Batty has praised our state's efforts to help victims, particularly the Multi-Agency Protection Service, which brings together officials from police, health, corrections and child protection to respond to high-risk cases.
She has urged Victorian and Tasmanian authorities to consider the model. She has also rightly criticised the "abysmal" level of funding for offender programs around the country and called on governments to devote more attention to offender rehabilitation, as well as respectful-relationships education in schools.
The choice of Australian of the Year is often hotly debated - however, Ms Batty has shown true Australian spirit in the role.
After an exhausting year she deserves a rest, but we must all continue to heed her message.
Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken byThe Editor, Sam Weir, 31 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA ,5000