Port Macquarie's Leonie McGuire says her Edna Ryan Award has validated her efforts in protecting women and children from domestic violence.
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The award was presented in Sydney on November 16.
Already this year, 75 women and 21 children have been murdered by men, a shocking statistic Ms McGuire says is being ignored by governments.
"It was important to have my efforts, such as they are, acknowledged by my peers," she said of the award.
"Whatever I am doing it is worthwhile continuing.
"The organisers of the Edna Ryan Awards have given me a voice; more credibility.
"I think you are uplifted when you mix and talk with like-minded people," she said.
Ms McGuire said with her efforts validated, she will continue to make whatever efforts are needed to make women and children safe.
She said the Edna Award reinforced her thoughts that men make the choice to be abusive.
However, she says there is a very clear male backlash against feminism including how domestic violence matters are handled.
"That backlash has been expressed through social, economic and even justice policy decisions by governments," she said.
"There is a trend in the US that is slowly creeping into Australia where abused women are being held responsible for their abusive partner's behaviour.
"This shift sees children being removed from a women's care; women are being punished for their partner's abuse.
"The more the focus shifts from women suffering violence to men and perpetrators the more you normalise abuse
"Why are we treating domestic violence any different from assault? While these perpetrators continue to evade their responsibilities the more they will continue to abuse women."
Mrs McGuire called on progressive people of goodwill to step up and articulate why half the population is being ground down.
She plans to use the award to voice her concerns to all levels of government.
"If I am not making politicians uncomfortable, I am not doing my work. So, I will keep on making them uncomfortable," she added.
A KPMG report to the Department of Social Services, Canberra has reported that violence against women is estimated to cost the Australian economy $22 billion per year.
She says that 95 per cent of all victims of violence in Australia report a male perpetrator.
The community activism award described her work as "indefatigable'.
"She has also inspired others to campaign in light of funding cuts and regressive government policies against women's refuges," the award says.
"Leonie has hosted many community forums to raise awareness of domestic violence, and played a part in establishing a Me Too Domestic Violence website."
The Edna Ryan Awards acknowledge and promote feminist activity in the community.
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