Writing and boxing are contrasting practices, yet for victim-survivors of abuse and gendered violence they offer powerful ways to reclaim voice and agency. Left Write Hook began at the University of Melbourne as a simple idea grounded in lived experience. Since then it has grown into a multi-award winning documentary (now streaming on Netflix), a medical research trial, a book, and a survivor-led national charity.

This interactive session invites you to experience how writing and trauma-informed, non-contact boxing can support recovery – without requiring personal disclosure. Through film, creative and simple boxing exercises, and reflection, we’ll explore how survivor-led practice transforms pain into strength.

Participation is open to all bodies and experience levels. Those who wish to watch and learn as spectators are welcome.

Writing + Boxing = Left Write Hook is the first of three sessions in New Humanity Makers 2025. The series features three visionary leaders whose work defies disciplinary boundaries to illuminate approaches to violence prevention, collective healing, and rejuvenation. It explores how communication, creativity, and community practice can break the cycles of violence, whether by preventing harm, transforming conflict, or enabling those who have been hurt to move towards greater capacity and strength.

New Humanity Makers is brought to you by the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative.

About the speaker

Dr Donna Lyon is Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, specialising in Film and Television (Producing). She is the Founder and CEO of Left Write Hook, a survivor-led charity delivering trauma-informed writing and boxing programs for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence. Donna is a producer of the multi-award-winning documentary Left Write Hook (now streaming on Netflix), a research investigator on a national medical research trial of the Left Write Hook program, and editor of the Left Write Book of survivor stories generated out of writing and boxing workshops. Her work centres creative practice as a pathway to recovery, empowerment and systems change.

Enquiries

Please send your enquiries to arts-engage@unimelb.edu.au

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