Left Write Hook: reclaiming power through creativity, sport and film | The University of Melbourne

Left Write Hook (LWH) is a survivor-led charity helping people recover from child sexual abuse and gendered violence through a groundbreaking mix of creative writing and trauma-informed boxing. Born from University of Melbourne research, LWH has become a national movement with a 700-plus survivor waitlist. Its impact spans a published book, a peer-reviewed research study and the award-winning documentary Left Write Hook — which premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2024, winning two major awards before its Netflix release. Founded by Dr Donna Lyon, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, LWH is transforming trauma recovery — turning pain into purpose and survivors into leaders for change. Through its charity arm, the program is now training lived-experience facilitators nationwide, empowering survivors to become storytellers, advocates and agents of change who are reshaping the national conversation on gendered violence and recovery.  

Entrants: Dr Donna Lyon