Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty continued her campaign against domestic violence in Brisbane. Her 11 year old son was killed by his father. Now she’s spearheading a national campaign for major changes to Family Law.

Rosie Kirby reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Today Rosie Batty represented 90 organisations with a Justice for Children petition she wants Federal politicians to hear loud and clear.

The proposal sets out a plan to better equip Family Law Courts with the resources to combat an overburdened system.

Angela Lynch, Women’s Legal Service: “Everyday, women and children who have fled violent and abusive homes are being placed in danger and further traumatised by our family law system.”

Under current laws, perpetrators of domestic violence can directly cross-examine their victims in court causing more distress for survivors.

Rosie Batty, Domestic Violence Campaigner: “It breaks you morally, it breaks you spiritually and you are still not guaranteed at all that the outcome is in the best interests of the child.”

Currently, half of all family law cases involve allegations of physical violence.

Despite this growing epidemic, the Federal Government has slashed 30 per cent of funding from community legal centres, vital organisations in the fight against domestic violence.

Rosie Batty’s petition is open for the public and will be given to the Federal Government on the 20th of June, what would have been her son’s 14th birthday.

Rosie Kirby QUT News.