First women’s-only trauma-focused boxing program launches in Darwin
The Northern Territory will host a new women’s-only program aimed at empowering survivors of domestic violence through sport.
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The Northern Territory will host a new program aimed at empowering survivors of domestic violence through sport, with Darwin welcoming it’s first women’s only trauma-focused boxing program titled “Knockout Violence”.
Founded by CDU Social Work lecturer Ellen Thomas, the program combines boxing with evidence-based practices, which CDU says creates a supportive and safe space for women and girls to reclaim their strength, autonomy and sense of self.
“Domestic violence is a critical issue that disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in high-risk areas like the NT,” Ms Thomas said.
“For many, trauma lives in the body, and traditional therapy isn’t always accessible or effective, so trauma-focused exercise like boxing - that regulates the nervous system - becomes a powerful pathway to healing.”
More than 133 women and men, including 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, have been part of the program across 23 events since its inception in December 2024.
“Knockout Violence” volunteer Kylie Burn took up boxing for fun several years ago, and said the program challenged the way society conditioned women and young girls to make themselves small when faced with confrontation.
“Dealing with the confrontation of having people in your space in a physical contact sport can be uncomfortable, especially for victim-survivors,” Ms Burn said.
“Being able to look at that and engage with those feelings in a safe space with other women - as well as in an environment where you can trust those around you; that process is quite a healing thing to be able to face those traumas and feelings that might come up.”
Ms Burn said as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, she was looking forward to using her knowledge and cross cultural practices to help other women, and that her participation in the program had spurred ambitions to enter the boxing ring competitively.
“Since learning more about boxing I’d love to build up my confidence to spar and maybe even compete. It feels a little bit far away, but I’d like to get there one day,” she said.
Ms Thomas plans to expand the program to First Nations students across the NT in July.
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Originally published as First women’s-only trauma-focused boxing program launches in Darwin
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