New research trial supporting survivor-led trauma-informed recovery commences in Ballarat
Grampians Health is marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month by supporting an innovative research trial, Left Write Hook, which explores a novel, trauma informed approach to recovery for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence.
Delivered locally through Grampians Health Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA), Left Write Hook is an eight-week program that is peer-led and survivor designed. The program combines expressive writing with trauma informed, non contact boxing. Sessions focus on grounding and body awareness, safely expressing emotions, and rebuilding personal agency and connection.
The Ballarat program commenced in April and is part of a large scale randomised controlled trial led by the University of Melbourne and funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). 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. CASA is a site partner with the University of Melbourne, supporting local delivery of the program as part of the broader research trial.
Ballarat CASA Clinical Services Coordinator Erin Houlihan said, “Left Write Hook is an innovative, trauma informed program that explores how movement and creativity can work alongside traditional care.”
Grampians Health General Manager Allied and Mental Health Georgie Kemp said, “Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important time to acknowledge the lasting impacts of sexual violence and to champion approaches that support recovery and physical and mental wellbeing. Partnerships like this reflect our commitment to care that is grounded in lived experience, informed by research, and responsive to community need.”
Previous pilot research has reported improvements in wellbeing and reductions in symptoms such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress among participants, helping inform the current trial. 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 the added benefits of including expressive writing alongside physical activity.
To support survivor participation in the trial, CASA has established local promotion partnerships with Women’s Resource Information and Support Centre (WRISC) and Ballarat Community Health (BCH), helping to raise awareness of the opportunity among eligible survivors in the community.
Participation in the trial is open to female identifying and gender diverse adults aged 18 and over who reside in Victoria and have experienced childhood sexual abuse or gendered violence. Participation is free as part of the research trial.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed each April to raise awareness of sexual violence, honour survivors, and promote prevention and recovery focused responses.
Through partnerships such as with the University of Melbourne and Left Write Hook, Grampians Health continues to support trauma informed care that recognises the long term impacts of sexual violence and the importance of survivor led healing.
