Rosie Batty joins MAX Solutions Advisory Board

Rosie Batty is a domestic violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year. As a campaigner, Ms Batty has spoken about her own experiences as a survivor of domestic violence to raise public awareness and advocate for social change.

Ms. Batty joins MAX to work with MAX Employment customers, employers and staff, providing guidance to those who have been affected by trauma. Ms. Batty said working with MAX will allow her to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“I hope that I am able to assist MAX to build on their work and ensure that their customers are treated with dignity and respect, their strengths recognised and potential maximised through rewarding, safe and stable employment opportunities."

Ms Batty’s story was instrumental in the establishment of the Royal Commission into Family Violence in Victoria in 2015. The report was a culmination of a 13-month inquiry into how to effectively prevent family violence, improve early intervention, support victims, make perpetrators accountable, better coordinate community and government response, and evaluate and measure strategies, frameworks, policies, programs and services.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) state that one in six Australian women and one in 16 men have been subjected, since the age of 15, to physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner.

MAX Solutions Managing Director Ms Deborah Homewood said Rosie Batty’s story is one that many customers can relate to.

“The often unseen victims of domestic violence are children. Children exposed to family, domestic and sexual violence can experience long-term effects on their development and have increased risk of mental health issues, and behavioral and learning difficulties. We support the need for systemic and cultural change that is needed to put the safety of children first.”

“We are thrilled Rosie has agreed to join us here at MAX and we look forward to challenging some of the unacceptable norms in society and working together to change the lives of our customers and staff, giving every person every chance.”

Image credit: abc.net.au