Ms Batty said Ms Richardson, who died on Wednesday afternoon after battling cancer, was a tireless campaigner who made it her mission to stand up for the safety of women and children.

She said, however, that the greatest gift Ms Richardson she gave to victims of family violence was hope.

"She not only gave victims a voice, but she gave them a voice in parliament and that was really such a unique thing," a grief-stricken Ms Batty said.

"She gave them hope things could change. She reached the hearts of politicians from both sides of politics. But what she really set out to achieve, was to make them understand that victims need to be part of the solution, that their stories are essential, that they can help inform the government, lead reforms and change society and the world."

But to Ms Batty, Ms Richardson more than just a politician, she was a friend, mentor and confidant who Ms Batty said was always there in difficult moments to offer comforting words or a hug.

"It was really hard in the earlier days, I just found myself sort of thrust into the public realm and you can feel quite alone, but she swept in, she understood, and she was such a huge support to me on my journey," Ms Batty said.

"She would always be so encouraging and filled with praise of me, almost like a proud mum. She really helped me to find the confidence to continue what I am doing."

Behind closed doors, Ms Richardson was a mighty-hearted woman, adored by her staff, and known for her many endearing quirks including walking around her office barefooted, Ms Batty said.

"She had all these wonderful elements, she was a very alternative type of person, she loved being barefooted," Ms Batty said.

"She was lovely, dynamic, fun and so very, very caring. There was no limit to her kindness."

Ms Batty said she would remember Ms Richardson as a formidable force who challenged the system and then helped rebuild it.

"Because of her own lived experiences she was passionate and she knew exactly what surivours needed," she said.

"We shared a mission and there was a deep trust between us and a deep appreciation."

Ms Batty said Ms Richardson's legacy would be her unwavering desire to change the lives of victims of family violence.

"She was somebody who had the confidence and the drive to dance to the beat of her own drum," Ms Batty said.

"She had the passion and confidence to challenge wherever she wanted to challenge and that's not always an easy thing to do, to confront people, to challenge our leaders to push to change the system.

"There are going to be so many people, including myself, who will make sure her vision continues and who will see through all she wanted to achieve but didn't live long enough to."

Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack said Ms Richardson had been a fearless advocate for women and children.

Ms McCormack said Ms Richardson had drawn on her painful experience to advocate for and empower survivors of family violence.

"This is such a huge loss," she said. "She wanted to work to create change, she dedicated her life to protecting women and children.

"Central to her effort was ensuring that the voice of survivors of family violence was at the heart of any reform, of any new systems or models of development.

"I can speak on behalf of the entire family sector in paying our condolences to her family when I say we are so terribly shocked and sad at the news, but that we're very grateful for the incredible work she undertook."