Left Write Hook Documentary: A Survivor-Led Journey of Healing from Abuse

Left Write Hook is a compelling Australian documentary that follows the transformative journey of eight female and gender-diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Combining trauma-informed, non-contact boxing with expressive writing, Left Write Hook introduces a groundbreaking two-year recovery program that supports survivors in reclaiming agency, processing trauma, and envisioning new narratives for their lives. This unique dual modality empowers the participants to release suppressed memories, regain control over their bodies, and redefine their futures.

The film's raw, honest portrayal of this journey has earned widespread acclaim for its deep emotional resonance and impactful storytelling. Now streaming on Netflix Australia and New Zealand, the film stands out as a vital work on survivor recovery and justice. Through participatory filmmaking, the documentary captures the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of the participants as they navigate their paths to healing.

Participant Voices: Reclaiming Power Through Storytelling

Directed by Dr. Shannon Owen, the documentary provides intimate access to the participants' journeys, capturing moments of vulnerability, courage, and camaraderie. It offers an intimate glimpse into the often unseen realities of survivors as they work through pain, shame, and silence.

Their stories not only highlight the long-term impacts of childhood sexual abuse but also the transformative power of survivor-led healing, community connection, and creative expression where '“silence is no longer an option”. Click here to meet the participants.

“I discovered that recovery from trauma is not just a mental endeavour but a process of reconnection – with my body, with other people, and with the world around me. Recovery became a practice, of becoming attuned to my fragmented selves, my emotional experiences, and my community.” Lauren, LWH Participant

Donna Lyon: The Vision Behind the Program

Dr. Donna Lyon

At the heart of Left Write Hook lies the inspiring journey of its founder, Dr. Donna Lyon. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Donna is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts, a film producer, and a former amateur boxer. Her personal experiences with trauma and healing propelled her to create a program that integrates physical movement with creative expression, offering a holistic approach to recovery.

In 2019, Donna initiated the first Left Write Hook workshop in a local boxing gym in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne. What began as a grassroots initiative quickly evolved into a comprehensive, research-informed program. Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers, Donna's work demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety among participants, alongside increased resilience and a sense of belonging.

Donna's dedication extends beyond the workshops. She co-produced the Left Write Hook documentary, amplifying survivor voices and fostering broader societal awareness. Her commitment to empowering survivors is further evident in the establishment of Left Write Hook as a registered charity, ensuring the program's sustainability and accessibility. Click here to donate.

“Through the charity, we are doing important work to break the silence on the endemic issue of childhood sexual abuse, and bringing a game-changing recovery program to survivors.”

Award-Winning & Critically Acclaimed

Left Write Hook premiered at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) and went on to win the MIFF Intrepid Audience Award and Best Feature Documentary at the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Awards. It has received widespread acclaim and been praised for breaking new ground in how stories of abuse and survival are shared on screen.

Renowned critic Margaret Pomeranz described the documentary as "heartbreakingly sad and yet ultimately creatively triumphant," and Lisa Nystrom of FilmInk called it "a powerful documentary... insightful and deeply personal.”

“Making films in this way means deeply engaging with the embedded tensions around responsibility, risk and uncertainty. The response we’ve had to the film so far demonstrates the payoffs of this approach. We are thrilled with the Netflix release, which exponentially extends the film’s audience—and with it, a much-needed conversation about the prevalence and impacts of childhood sexual abuse.” Dr Shannon Owen

The Impact Campaign

Left Write Hook is more than a documentary—it’s a movement that sparks crucial conversations around trauma, resilience, and recovery. It serves as a catalyst for community dialogue and education, highlighting the need for innovative, trauma-informed, survivor-led approaches to healing.

The Left Write Hook impact campaign extends the reach of the documentary beyond the screen, aiming to create tangible cultural and systemic change. Developed in close collaboration with survivors and practitioners, the campaign fosters long-term conversations around trauma, recovery, and justice.

Take Action

Whether you're working in schools, frontline services, or community programs—or simply someone who wants to better understand and support survivors—Left Write Hook provides a powerful foundation for reflection and discussion. It offers invaluable insights into the lived experience of childhood sexual abuse survivors, the complexities of trauma and the transformative power of creative expression.

Hosting a screening of Left Write Hook is a powerful way to spark conversation, challenge stigma, and create more empathetic, informed spaces around childhood sexual abuse and recovery. It invites communities, workplaces, and institutions to actively listen to survivor voices.

Educational resources, including a comprehensive ATOM study guide, are available to guide these conversations.

To learn more about the film, upcoming live screenings and to access materials, visit leftwritehook.film

By engaging with this powerful work, you contribute to a culture that truly listens to, supports, and stands with survivors—and helps shift the systems around them for the better.