While at first glance, powerlifting may seem like it's only defined by physical capabilities, for Erin Kelly, it also represents something more than just physical strength.
"The great thing about it is that when you do a heavy lift, it demands a power and control over your body and how your body feels," Ms Kelly said.
"That mindfulness and being forced to be connected with the body is a really empowering experience."
The University of Canberra lecturer has been involved in strength training and powerlifting for the past five years and said it was key to providing both a physical and mental boost.
Now, she's helping to lead a research project at the university to provide that same boost through the sport, specifically for survivors of domestic violence and abuse. A collaboration with the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, the program involves 10 survivors taking part in powerlifting and strength training twice a week for 10 weeks.
Working alongside two trainers, the program is personalised to each participant. For many of them, it is their first experience with powerlifting.
Ms Kelly said the program came about following an initial PhD, which drew on interviews with female powerlifters. She said many of those interviewed had experienced domestic violence and that powerlifting was a form of strength.
The project leader said it was hoped the powerlifting classes would be a form of empowerment for Canberra survivors.
"One of the key things to come out of the previous study is the community that strength training created," Ms Kelly said.
"A lot spoke about being in the community and being surrounded by a group of women all focused on increasing strength, and that was a strong feeling, and I'm hoping to create that same feeling with this program and grow and foster it."
At the start of the 10-week program, the participants were surveyed for thoughts on their own body image and strength, along with levels of anxiety and depression.
Those involved will be surveyed again on the same questions at the end of the program to measure results.
"What we're hoping to see is a decrease in depression and also a focus on body functionality," Ms Kelly said.
"Because it is such a small group, we're able to do tailored work.
"Some might have a good base level and progress faster and others may need to stay with lifting their own body weight for a while."
The current program will run until April, with a second group of participants already in line to start. Ms Kelly said she hoped funding would continue for additional cycles of the training to help empower more survivors.
"For women, one of the big barriers for starting a strength training program is not having the skills and techniques to do the movements confidently," she said.
"Doing the program is a skill to use that they can then pick up at home or at the gym."
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