Australia has come a long way in the battle against domestic violence and rape, but the fight is far from over.
That's the message 2010 ACT Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year nominee Professor Patricia Easteal wants the community to hear.
"If the cup was empty when I arrived I would say it's about 60 per cent full now," she said.
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In her 20-year career Professor Easteal has written 14 books, 150 journal articles, been an expert witness and sat on numerous committees in her crusade to put an end to domestic violence, sexual assault, discrimination and sexual harassment.
'Passionate'
"I have a passion. I really believe that there are certain areas that we need to continue to change community attitudes," Prof Easteal told AAP.
"We have done a lot and I celebrate all of the changes that have taken place but I also see a need for more change."
One of the main areas that is still of concern to her is the continued view by courts and society that rape by a partner is somehow less serious than rape by a stranger.
"It is my view and the view of many women I have spoken to, who have experienced such assaults, that the trauma can in fact be greater," she said.
"You have added elements of betrayal and usually more violence as it is often a part of other aspects of domestic violence."
Society rethinking attitudes
Prof Easteal says she was truly stunned to receive the nomination and feels it shows that society is starting to take violence against women seriously.
"I feel really elated about getting the award because it means the community is really taking violence against women seriously and it gives me the chance to talk to people about the things that I feel passionate about, that still need to be changed."
She says the most rewarding part of her work has been seeing the changes in the legal system and hearing from women who she has helped.
"I have seen laws change and seeing judges actually mention some of my books in their cases is very rewarding," she said.
"I get letters sometimes from survivors of domestic violence and rape who have read some of my work and have said reading it gave them the courage to persist with their cases."
