Left Write Hook, a hands-on workshop for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence, is headed to Benalla. Photo: Robert Klarich.
An internationally acclaimed program offering a hands-on workshop for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence is headed to Benalla in 2026.
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The Centre Against Violence has announced that the Left Write Hook program is coming to north-east Victoria, with events planned in both Benalla and Beechworth.
The initiative will bring two major opportunities to our communities.
The first will be a public screening of the award-winning documentary Left Write Hook in Benalla and Beechworth, giving audiences an intimate and powerful look at the journeys of survivors who took part in the program.
Second will be the hands-on workshops specifically designed for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence to experience the transformative combination of writing and boxing that is at the heart of the program.
Left Write Hook is a research-informed, trauma-aware initiative that blends creative writing with non-contact boxing.
Developed for female-identifying and gender diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse and complex trauma, the program creates a safe and supportive space where survivors can express themselves through writing and movement, finding new ways to regain strength, confidence and connection.
Rates of family and sexual violence in regional communities remain deeply concerning.
Crime statistics released in March 2025 showed that Benalla Rural City had the ninth-highest rate of ‘family incidents’ per capita in Victoria.
Programs such as Left Write Hook give survivors more than support; they create opportunities for healing and empowerment that build safer, more connected communities.
Left Write Hook is a research-informed, trauma-aware initiative. Photo: Breeana Dunbar.
By hosting these events locally, Benalla Rural City Council and the Indigo Shire Council are sending a strong message of support and hope.
CAV acknowledged the vision and generosity of the Kyamba Association for funding this initiative, and thanked Benalla Rural City Council and Indigo Shire Council for their commitment to bringing this ground-breaking program to the north-east.
The Benalla event has also been made possible with funding through the Victorian Government’s Free from Family Violence initiative.
CAV intake and therapeutic services manager Lucy Lee said Left Write Hook was unlike anything else.
“It creates a powerful space where survivors can tell their stories and reconnect with their bodies in ways that are safe, creative and deeply healing,” she said.
“To be able to bring this program to our local communities is a gift.
“Family and sexual violence touch too many lives in our region.
“This program is about more than recovery. It is about giving people a sense of strength and choice and reminding them they are not alone.”
Left Write Hook founder and chief executive Donna Lyon said she was eager to share the program’s healing power with north-east communities.
“I’m thrilled to be bringing Left Write Hook to Benalla and Beechworth,” she said.
“These communities are among the first in regional Victoria to experience the power of our unique writing and boxing program, which gives survivors a safe space to rebuild strength, voice and connection.”
The public screenings will take place on:
Benalla — April 20 at 6.30pm
Beechworth — April 21 at 6.30pm
Details and ticket sales for these screenings will be announced in November.
The hands-on workshops are free for participants and open for registrations now.
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