AN eight week research-informed boxing and writing workshop for survivors of child sexual abuse and complex trauma is set to be held in Mildura.
The Left Write Hook program has delivered more than 20 workshops to more than 120 victim-survivor participants across Melbourne suburbs.
“Survivors are experts of their own narratives, they’ve had to fight really hard battles to work through the effects of trauma, and they understand that impact,” Left Write Hook charity founder Donna Lyon said.
“The research we have to back up the program demonstrates an effect in clear reductions of people’s PTSD, depression and stress, while increasing their sense of personal belonging, agency and resilience,
“We’re seeing people who start often really scared, full of shame and fear who begin to emerge out of these eight weeks with a sense of ownership and strength within themselves and their bodies.”
Mallee Sexual Assault Unit program manager Nadiene Lynch said that having programs like Left Write Hook in the region would provide access to further choices.
“We’re all experts in our own lives and own experiences, and it’s essential that is captured and understood before anyone can be supported through a healing journey, whatever it looks like for them,” she said.
MSAU-MDVS principal practitioner Eli Miller said there is a limit on victim-survivor led programs and community support groups that are available for people in the Mallee at the moment.
“We’re trying to raise the profile of Left Write Hook in the Mallee with the idea of facilitating and growing a group into next year, and for it to become a sustainable practice,” he said.
The Left Write Hook program will be running in Mildura from July 17 with limited spaces. Expressions of interest can be filled out through leftwritehook.org/lwh-program.
