Just three years ago, Ms Walsh believed she had no reason to live.

The policewoman of 14 years had lost all hope as she sat in hospital being treated for wounds inflicted by her father, who had just murdered her mother and her two children.

Off the beat, Snr Constable Walsh is now thriving in her role as an education development officer with NSW police, sharing her experience with officers and cadets at Parkes and Goulburn.

She is determined the life she so courageously fought for is meaningful and bright and her 14 years of police service are not overshadowed by the devastating legacy of her father’s untreated depression.

“I can remember sitting at the hospital on the day that it happened, while two doctors stood over me discussing the injuries I had received and how they were going to treat them,” Ms Walsh said of the day her father took the lives of her mother and two children.

“Inside I was thinking ‘Do what you want, it doesn’t matter anyway, because as soon as I get out of here, I am going to join my Mum and babies, because there’s no one left to care anyway’.”

Within hours, her colleagues in the Police force had shown her someone did care, and the force she refers to as her new family, have helped her become a vocal advocate for victims of violent crime.

On a recent visit to the south coast Ms Walsh said she also wants to spread the word about the signs of depression and the importance of seeking treatment.

“My father was never violent until that terrible day, but was always a controlling and powerful figure who was never questioned by the family,” she said.

“The thought of approaching him about the fact that he needed help was too hard.

“He would have become extremely angry at us for suggesting that he wasn’t perfect, so we let it go. And look what happened.

“I have no doubt that if Mum or I had approached him and made him get help, that there would in all likelihood be a different outcome today.”

Ms Walsh believes her father’s depression was linked to the death by suicide of her brother, many years earlier.

After seeing the terrible outcome of untreated depression in her own family Ms Walsh has a message for those who may be wondering how to help someone they know.

“Get them help and get it now,” she said.

“Do not put it off, do not ignore it, or pretend that it isn’t happening.”

She has since learned there are widespread misconceptions about depression.

“It isn’t always the stereotype of the person lying in bed all day not being bothered to do things ... sure, this happens, and is a component of it, but not all the time.

“Depression is actually within a group of other mental conditions as one where the sufferer is at a high risk of 'snapping' and becoming violent.

“I did not know this in 2008, maybe it would have been the catalyst for my Mum and I to go and get Dad the help he needed.”

As her father John Walsh serves two life sentences in prison for the murder of his grandchildren and a combined 46 years for crimes against Ms Walsh and her Mum, Ms Walsh is also campaigning for change within the police force to give more support to victims.

“The shifting of Police focus onto victims cannot come soon enough for me.

“The importance of victim welfare can never, ever be over-rated.”

Her message is spreading fast through the force.

“The biggest thing that made a difference to me, and the biggest reason that I am still here today, was the support that I received from the community and from Police especially,” she said.

If you are in immediate danger call 000.

Mensline 1300 789 978

Aboriginal Women’s Legal Contact Line 1800 639 784

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636