Left Write Hook in the media
Yarrawonga Chronicle
Survivor-led Left Write Hook events challenge silence around sexual violence
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.
The Courier
How a Ballarat boxing program is helping survivors rewrite their stories
Ballarat survivors of sexual abuse and gendered violence are taking part in a clinical trial to see whether boxing combined with expressive writing can help their recovery and wellbeing.
Wangaratta Chronicle
Punching trauma into recovery
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence in North East Victoria will have access to a rare, survivor‑led recovery experience later this month, when the award‑winning documentary Left Write Hook screens in Benalla and Beechworth.
The Spit Bucket – a boxing fanzine
Interview with Dr Donna Lyon, founder and CEO of Left Write Hook, a charity organisation based in Melbourne, Australia.
Benalla Ensign
Benalla Event: Left Write Hook Documentary + Live Q&A & Free Workshop
Experience a powerful night of storytelling, healing and connection as Left Write Hook comes to Benalla on Monday 20 April. Presented by Centre Against Violence, this special event features a screening of the award-winning documentary followed by an insightful live Q&A—and a free workshop the next day designed to support recovery and resilience.
Wangaratta Chronicle
Documentary and survivor workshops to open local conversations.
When Lucy Lee first watched the documentary Left Write Hook at a screening in Melbourne, she knew it was something her own community needed to see.
“It stayed with me long after the credits rolled,” Lucy said.
“I could not stop thinking about the stories, the strength of the participants, and how important it is for communities like ours to have these conversations.”
Benalla Ensign
Powerful documentary and survivor workshop coming to Benalla
When Lucy Lee first watched the documentary Left Write Hook at a screening in Melbourne, she knew it was something her own community needed to see.
The Australian
Abuse recovery program packs powerful punch.
The Left Write Hook program has been shown to reduce depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder and leave participants feeling strong with a sense of agency and belonging, says the charity founder, The University of Melbourne filmmaker Dr Donna Lyon.
Pro Bono Australia
Rewriting the Script. Building What’s Next For Survivors
Donna Lyon, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and the founder and CEO of Left Write Hook, a survivor-led charity combining writing, boxing, and peer support to support recovery from childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence.
The Australian
Gong contenders already making real-life difference
A charity helping people recover from child sexual abuse through boxing and writing, and a school-based anti-vaping program are among the finalists in Universities Australia’s Shaping Australia awards.
Women in Film & Television, Victoria
Member Spotlight - Donna Lyon
Each conversation with our extraordinary community of creatives reminds us why we exist: to celebrate, connect, and uplift the voices shaping our screen industry. This month’s conversation with Dr Donna Lyon is especially powerful, exploring creativity, healing, and the impact of childhood sexual assault.
The North Central Review
MACEDON Ranges Shire Council
Proud to support Respect Victoria and Safe + Equal by partnering with local organisations to deliver a range of activities for the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence next month.
Mirage News
Macedon Ranges And 16 Days Of Activism
Council is proud to support Respect Victoria and Safe + Equal by partnering with local organisations to deliver a range of activities for the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, running from 25 November to 10 December.
University of Melbourne
VCA filmmakers win award for Left Write Hook documentary
Dr Shannon Owen and A/Prof Donna Lyon from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) have been awarded the Distinguished Innovation in Creative Arts Award at the 2025 Deans and Directors of Creative Art (DDCA) Awards for their documentary Left Write Hook.
The Corowa Free Press
Benalla to host acclaimed Left Write Hook program.
An internationally acclaimed program offering a hands-on workshop for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence is headed to Benalla in 2026.
Institute of Community Directors Australia
Punching through the pain of abuse
Left Write Hook is a charity that uses a unique blend of journal writing and boxing training to support victim-survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence.
Australian Childhood Foundation
The film that brought a trauma conference to its feet
Kelly Royds, ED of Knowledge Mobilisation and Practice at the Australian Childhood Foundation, reflects on her experiences moderating a Left Write Hook Q&A Screening at the 2025 International Childhood Trauma Conference, encouraging sector professionals to watch the film in community.
Medical Forum Magazine
Throwing a left and a write hook
Medical Forum magazine speaks to Director Shannon Owen about the making of Left Write Hook.