An outspoken domestic violence advocate whose father murdered his mother inside their home says it is up to men to help stamp out violence against women.

Daniel Mancuso, co-founder of Yiayia Next Door, a campaign that raises awareness about family violence, said he wished he did not have to ­become his mother’s voice after she died so violently.

But amid rising DV rates in Victoria, he said it was more important than ever to encourage people, particularly men, to speak out and for people to show kindness to each other.

“There needs to be more people speaking about this issue, especially men – younger men – because women can’t do all the talking,” Mr Mancuso, 34, said. “Men need to take action and really make a difference in society and in the community.”

Teresa Paulino, 49, was stabbed to death by her ­estranged husband Fernando in her Reservoir home in 2013, when Mr Mancuso and his brother Luke were in their early 20s. Paulino is serving at least 25 years behind bars.

Mr Mancuso, whose right arm bears a tattooed portrait of his mother, said he and his brother refused to allow their mother’s violent death to define her, instead sharing with the community the kindness their elderly Greek neighbour showed them after her murder.

They called her “Yiayia” – the Greek word for grandmother – and she would pass them food over the fence and check on the pair.

Over the years, the brothers began sharing their story on social media in a campaign that exploded online and became Yiayia Next Door.

Mr Mancuso said of his late mother: “I just want to continue her legacy and really shine that light on her, because she was a beautiful soul.”