Australian of the Year committed to bringing domestic violence to the forefront of our national agenda, Rosie Batty, has launched a free anti-domestic violence app for young women called ‘iMatter’.
The app, which is available on Google Play and iTunes, was launched on Valentine’s Day yesterday with an aim to support sufferers of domestic violence and raise awareness. Rosie Batty is barely three weeks into her role as Australian of the year, but she’s already proving to be a strong inspiration and dedicated activist for women across Australia – what a woman.
The app serves as a multi-faceted resource for domestic violence issues, featuring quizzes, inspirational images, practical advice and articles.
Rosie Batty said, according to the Guardian, “I think throughout our communities, at any age, we’re learning it’s not just about physical violence. Violence is also psychological, which includes verbal. It’s not just about wearing a black eye and physical harm, it’s far more complex than that.” Batty described the domestic violence she had personally experienced, saying, “It was violence and no one ever deserves that.”
Rosie Batty also warned that women of all ages should think about their relationships seriously when violence is involved: “It will not get better, it will wear you down and will reduce you to a very low point.”
Rosie Batty rose to public attention after her son Luke’s tragic death at the hands of his father in February last year. This week, to mark the first anniversary of Luke’s death, Batty wrote a heartfelt letter to her son in his memory.
Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or to Lifeline on 131 114. Donations can be made to The White Ribbon foundation here.
Via The Guardian.
Lead image by Stefan Postles via Getty.
