A survivor-led recovery program is prompting reflection, conversation and connection across Benalla and Beechworth, following a series of Left Write Hook documentary screenings and workshops.
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The events come at a time when many regional communities continue to face barriers to speaking about sexual violence and accessing support.
Presented by Centre Against Violence, the events featured screenings of the award-winning Left Write Hook documentary, followed by live Q&A panels with associate professor Donna Lyon, founder and chief executive of the Left Write Hook charity, alongside documentary participants Lauren and Pixie, both victim-survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
The program combines trauma-aware writing with non-contact boxing, supporting victim survivors to reconnect with their bodies, process trauma and rebuild a sense of strength and agency.
It also creates space where victim-survivors are not only supported to speak, but encouraged and affirmed when they do.
Centre Against Violence communications and community partnerships officer Kelly Timms said the experience challenged common assumptions about recovery, particularly in rural communities.
“In many communities, there can be a belief that sexual assault does not happen here, that somehow we are removed from it,” she said.
“But we know that is not true. In rural communities, where everyone knows each other, it can make it even harder to speak up.”
A common question during the Q&A sessions was how to support someone who has experienced trauma.
“People ask what they can do to help, and the answer is simple. Listen. Really listen,” Ms Timms said.
“Sit in the uncomfortable and hear the whole story.
“So many victim survivors want to talk, desperate not to feel alone. Not listening hurts.”
Over three days, more than 60 people attended screenings across both communities, with just over 20 participants taking part in workshops.
Ms Timms said the modest attendance reflected the reality of the subject matter.
“This is a hard conversation,” she said.
“For some people it is too much, or too soon. And that is okay.
“The fact that people showed up at all, and engaged the way they did, speaks volumes.
“The Q&A made the documentary feel so much more real.
“Hearing directly from Donna, Lauren and Pixie transformed it from something you watch into something you genuinely understand.”
Ms Timms said the strength of the Left Write Hook model was its ability to connect mind and body in recovery.
“It is about writing, talking and moving your body. It sounds simple, but it is not easy work, and the results are quite profound,” she said.
“For me, it challenged the idea that just getting through the day is enough. Recovery is more than being okay, it is about reconnecting and actually feeling again.”
Ms Timms said the program also highlighted the importance of creating safe, judgment-free spaces for victim-survivors.
“Being in a room with no stigma, no shame, and no need to explain why something affected you the way it did is incredibly powerful,” she said.
“Safety is essential, but it should not be the end goal. Programs like this show what is possible beyond that, feeling strong, connected and empowered in your own story.”
Ms Timms said the events were part of a broader commitment to bringing innovative, survivor-led approaches to regional communities, where access to specialised support could be limited.
“The impact of the program extended beyond those who attended,” she said.
“What if more people spoke, and more people listened?
“That is where real change starts.”
Ms Timms encouraged community members to seek support in ways that felt safe and accessible to them.
“Boxing might not be for everyone,” she said.
“But there are many ways to take that first step.
“Writing something down, going for a walk, talking to someone, even just allowing yourself to feel something. That is where it starts.”
Community members are encouraged to reach out to Centre Against Violence to explore support options that feel safe and accessible to them.
Centre Against Violence offers individual and group-based support for people impacted by family and sexual violence.
Centre Against Violence acknowledged the wonderful support of the Kyamba Foundation, Benalla Rural City Council, the Victorian Government Free From Family Violence Initiative and Indigo Shire Council in making these events possible.
If you or someone you know needs support
Family violence support:
The Orange Door (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) – 1800 271 157
Safe Steps (24/7 crisis support) – 1800 015 188
Sexual assault support:
Centre Against Violence (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) – 03 5722 2203
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7) – 1800 806 292