Mrs O'Brien is a family violence survivor and is a leading voice in changing attitudes regarding family violence. Mr Hinch will be up for re-election next month, representing his Justice Party.

Mrs O'Brien said Mr Hinch asked her to be his running mate on Thursday last week.

"I don't know why he chose me, so it was a bit of a shock. I couldn't believe it," she said.

"I expressed to him the last time we talked that I wanted to fight the epidemic of domestic violence with action. My journey has taken me to so many places - I've gone from being on the brink of death to this."

Related: 'Human Headline' Derryn Hinch visits Horsham and Ararat for mini Wimmera tour

Mrs O'Brien said she wanted to thank the community and her family for their ongoing support.

"They have been my backbone," she said.

Mr Hinch described Mrs O'Brien as "one of the bravest, most gutsy, most inspiring, women" he had met.

"She came within minutes of being killed when her ex attacked her with a baseball bat in front of her children. Since I last caught up with her she has run in, and completed, the fabled New York marathon," he said.

"She is now an ambassador for the Brisbane-based Beyond DV. Simone is an inspiration to other women and girls. Life has not, and will not, beat her. I'm thrilled that she has agreed to run for the Senate with me".

Related: Horsham's domestic violence advocate Simone O'Brien shares her story

Mr Hinch said family and domestic violence must be a major issue for all parties.

"It is a major part of our election platform. We have also campaigned for a Royal Commission into the Family Court which is an associated issue," he said.

The official launch of Derryn Hinch's Justice Party's Unfinished Business campaign will be held in Horsham on Saturday, April 27.

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