For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Centre Against Violence presents a special screening of the Left Write Hook documentary in Benalla - don’t miss this powerful multi-award-winning film!

This compelling documentary follows eight female and gender diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they embark on a groundbreaking trauma recovery program. Combining the strength of boxing with the vulnerability of creative writing, the program empowers survivors to release trauma, reclaim their bodies and reimagine their futures.

Through powerful participatory filmmaking, an amazing journey of self-discovery, resilience, recovery, transformation and friendship is captured, as they begin to take back their agency and power.

Tickets are limited - book now to ensure your spot!

★★★★☆ - Screenhub

"Heartbreakingly sad yet ultimately creatively triumphant." - Margaret Pomeranz

"A moving portrait of what it looks like to live with, and work through, trauma." - The Guardian Australia

"A fearless film that offers a ladder up from the darkness that shame can bring, it’s a one-two punch of creativity and power." - 2025 AIDC Awards Jury

Read more reviews

**Please arrive from 6pm for 6.30pm event start

The post-screening Q&A moderated by Jaime Chubb, Centre Against Violence CEO, will feature:

Associate Professor Donna Lyon (She/Her) - a Film and TV academic at the University of Melbourne. She is one of the Producers of the Left Write Hook film, founder/CEO of the Left Write Hook charity, creator of the Left Write Hook program and editor of a book and anthology of survivor stories.

Dr Shannon Owen (She/Her) - the Director and a Producer of the Left Write Hook film. She is a documentary filmmaker and researcher whose work explores the change-making potential of documentary storytelling. Working closely with participants, her films reveal the human impact of broader socio-political issues.

Lucy Lee (She/Her) - Family Violence & Accommodation Services Manager at Centre Against Violence and social worker with over fifteen years experience in child and family welfare across private and public sectors. In her executive role at Centre Against Violence Lucy has led sexual assault, harmful sexual behaviours, The Orange Door services, and guiding therapeutic support programs, including the Caring Dads program.

Plus participants from the Left Write Hook film.

Please be advised that the documentary and panel discussion will involve discussion of lived/living experience of child sexual abuse, gendered violence and mental distress. Centre Against Violence counsellors will be in attendance if anyone needs support or assistant on the night.

Please note seating is not allocated for this screening. All tickets are general admission. Please arrive early to secure your preferred seat.

This screening is presented by the CENTRE AGAINST VIOLENCE with the generous support of BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL, KYAMBA FOUNDATION and the VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT'S FREE FROM FAMILY VIOLENCE INITIATIVE.

About the Left Write Hook charity
Following the success of the Left Write Hook film, program founder A/Prof Donna Lyon created a charity of the same name, which has been delivering the groundbreaking trauma recovery program featured in the documentary, to victim/survivors since 2022. To date the Left Write Hook charity has run 30+ survivor-led programs, created an online training course in writing, boxing and peer support and trained 25 lived/living experience trainers to deliver programs. Left Write Hook is currently working with the University of Melbourne on a multi-year research trial to measure the effectiveness of the Left Write Hook program.

Accessibility

General information

Features