Ms Batty received the award for her crusade against family violence, which she began after her son Luke was murdered by his father in February last year. 

Centre for Non-Violence chief executive officer Margaret Augerinos said Ms Batty was a "deserving winner".

"She's certainly put the issue in the national spotlight - not just in the state's sights," she said.

"She's really been able to give the issue the prominence it needs.

"Rosie being awarded Australian of the Year means it will give all of us an opportunity to try to get the community on board with the work we're doing in terms of preventing family violence."

Victoria Police family violence advisor Sergeant Margaret Singe said Ms Batty was a "great ambassador" in the fight against family violence.

"It shows the importance that the government now puts on the issue," she said.

Sergeant Singe said after many years of reports of family violence increasing, a small drop-off had been recorded over the past few months.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Batty touched on the importance of men taking a leading role in preventing family violence.

Sergeant Singe said men in the Bendigo region were taking up the call.

"White Ribbon Day is a testament to that. Last year 50 to 60 per cent of the participants were men whereas in previous years, men made up about 10 per cent," she said.

Ms Augerinos agreed men were becoming more active on the issue.

"For a long time, action on family violence has been left to women to try to work out," she said.

"A lot of men are now taking leadership on the issue and are sharing the load."

She said prominent campaigners such as Ms Batty had given victims a voice.

The experiences of victims should be used to improve the delivery of support services, she said.