Survivors’ boxing program informs research trail

THE eight-week Left Write Hook program, which aims to help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence to recover, is informing a controlled research trial.

“Left Write Hook is an innovative, trauma informed program that explores how movement and creativity can work alongside traditional care,” Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) clinical services coordinator Erin Houlihan said.

Peer-led and survivor designed, the local program teams expressive writing with trauma informed, non-contact boxing.

Sessions focus on grounding and body awareness, helping participants safely express emotions, and rebuild personal agency and connection.

The Ballarat program is contributing data and findings to a largescale randomised controlled trial being led by the University of Melbourne and funded by the Medical Research Future Fund.

Running from 2024 to 2026, the trial is being delivered across multiple partner sites in Victoria, including Ballarat, to assess whether combining creative expression with physical movement can improve mental and physical health and support survivors to reclaim a sense of agency.

The study compares outcomes for participants who complete the full Left Write Hook program with those who take part in a boxing only group, to better understand any added benefits derived from including expressive writing alongside physical activity.

“The first program we had here was within the last 12 months and we’ve seen really positive results,” Ballarat CASA manager, Katrina Bevelander said.

“The current program started in April and will definitely be finished mid year and then the University of Melbourne will do their evaluation process.

“The intake for the next program is already happening, receiving expressions of interest through the dedicated Left Right Hook website.”