Rosie Batty's anti-domestic violence foundation to close

The Luke Batty Foundation will close after founder Rosie Batty said she will step down as chief executive officer.

Rosie Batty is one of the '100 Women of Influencers' for her work to prevent domestic violence. Source: AAP

Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty is stepping down from the anti-domestic violence foundation she set up in honour of her murdered son Luke.

In a statement, Ms Batty said she was resigning as CEO of the Luke Batty Foundation after four years in the role because she needed time to herself to mourn and remember Luke.

Rosie Batty with her deceased son Luke. Source: Supplied

“While I am not disappearing entirely, I do need to step away for a while,” she said.

“It has been a gruelling and unrelenting four years in the public eye and I sincerely thank you for being with me every step of the way.

“This is a difficult decision but I know it’s the right decision – I need to step away from my public role for a while and take time to breathe.”

Chairman of the Luke Batty Foundation Mr Andrew Fairley said the Foundation will close and is developing a plan to wind up operations.

“Out of the most harrowing of circumstances, Rosie emerged as a leading voice calling for societal change to the way that we speak about, respond to and work to prevent domestic and family violence,” he said.