news July 16 2025

Centre Against Violence (CAV) invites the community to three unforgettable evenings with Jelena Dokic

For most people, it is easier to think that the trauma of abuse happens in other places, to other people. It makes us feel safer when we assume that family and sexual violence live in other suburbs, other streets, other homes. It is harder to see it in our own communities, or in the glittering triumph of a tennis star.

But silence and denial are how violence survives.

We were happy to cheer her on when she was on the court. But when it really mattered, we watched on in silence when Jelena was a young, high-profile fixture of the tennis world. Many people knew something was wrong, that Jelana was not safe. But the reality is that it's easier to stay quiet. To pretend we don't see. To think it’s not our business. If we are honest, we know that we still do this now - in our own neighbourhoods, our own clubs, our own communities. Well, it's time to do better. It’s time to acknowledge we see it, and it’s time to refuse to look away.

This November, as part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Centre Against Violence (CAV) invites our communities to sit with the truth, and the hope that comes when we believe things can be different. We are honoured to host three powerful evenings with former world No. 4 tennis champion, bestselling author, and survivor, Jelena Dokic.

From Benalla to Wangaratta to Wodonga, Jelena will share not just her rise to global stardom, but the hidden abuse she endured for over 15 years, while the world watched. Her story is raw, confronting, and necessary. It asks us all: will we all watch in silence? Or will we be the ones who notice, who speak, who act?

"We cannot afford to turn away from what is hard", says Jaime Chubb, CEO of CAV. "Jelena’s story shows the power of breaking silence, and we invite our entire community to join us in listening, learning, and standing together. Change begins when we are willing to face the truth and take action."

These events are about coming together to support making our community safe for everyone. This is about taking responsibility and supporting each other. They offer time to hear from Jelena, ask questions, and share in honest conversation about how we can all help end violence.

Local councils are supporting these events and encouraging their communities to come along and be part of the conversation.

“It is wonderful to have the backing of Benalla Rural City Council, Rural City of Wangaratta, and Wodonga Council for these events. Their encouragement demonstrates our shared commitment to showing up, listening, and working together to end violence in our communities,” said Jaime.

Because even after the darkest of times, there is hope. Change is possible, but it does not happen on its own. It takes all of us choosing to listen, to speak up, and to stand alongside those who need us. Only together can we build the safer, more compassionate communities we all deserve.

Tickets will be on sale from 10am on the 14 August.  

EVENT DETAILS

• Benalla – 25 November 6pm– Lakeside Community Centre : https://events.humanitix.com/jelena-dokic-benalla

• Wangaratta – 26 November 6pm– Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre : https://www.wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/An-Evening-with-Jelena-Dokic-Strength-Resilience-Hope

• Wodonga – 27 November 6pm – The Cube Wodonga : SOLD OUT  - https://www.thecubewodonga.com.au/Whats-On

A huge thankyou to the Benalla Rural CIty Council, Rural City of Wangaratta, Wodonga Council, Safe + Equal and Respect Victoria for their support.