Caption: Jelena Dokic and Shaynna Blaze at a screening of the film Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.

Credit: Miles Formby.

Minderoo Pictures

Three leaders, one mission: Breaking the silence on domestic violence.

From the outside, Jelena Dokic’s stellar rise in tennis was seemingly perfect.

by Minderoo Foundation

But in a deeply personal journey, Jelena shares her struggles, from childhood abuse to mental health challenges, and her resilience in reinventing herself after a tennis career cut short.

Jelena’s new documentary, Unbreakable, sheds a powerful light on domestic violence and the importance of safeguarding children from harm.

Ahead of Melbourne’s public screening of the film, we heard from Jelena and two other women shaping conversations on domestic violence in Australia: Shaynna Blaze, Co-founder and Creative Director of Voice of Change, and Janise Mitchell, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation.

Jelena Dokic: from athlete to advocate for change

Jelena Dokic, wearing a white suit, speaks into a hand-held microphone. She is sitting, and making an gesture for emphasis with her other hand. Two her right is Shaynna Blaze, wearing a blue suit and watching Jelena with a smile. To her left, only the arm of another panel member can be seen.

Caption: Jelena Dokic speaking at a Q&A for a screening of Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Credit: Miles Formby.

Jelena’s journey to becoming a voice for those who experience domestic violence was not easy. “Sometimes we even might feel like we’re done, we’re out. But I always say that you can even be broken, but you can come back.”

To Jelena, being unbreakable is about perseverance, to keep going and never give up.

Her story highlights the urgent need for safeguarding in sport - not just at the elite level, but in community sports as well.

Paul Oliver, Deputy CEO of Sport Integrity Australia, emphasises that while measures have improved since Jelena’s experiences, safeguarding concerns remain prevalent. “Education, awareness, and knowing what is right and wrong are key to preventing harm, as well as ensuring there are clear reporting pathways.”

By giving voice to taboo topics like mental health and domestic violence, Jelena hopes to empower others to do the same, by creating a safe space in Australian conversation where it’s okay to ask for help and share struggles.

For Jelena, Unbreakable is not just about her personal story. “The more people that we can bring it to, the more that we can make a difference,” she explained.

Her message is clear: no matter how broken someone feels, there is always a way back, and it’s possible to build a new and stronger version of oneself.

Shaynna Blaze: using art to break barriers

Shaynna Blaze, well known for her work on TV show The Block and co-founder of Voice of Change, said it was a privilege to be part of this conversation.

“I have a platform, and I believe I should use my voice for meaningful change.”

“Seeking help can be incredibly difficult. It often takes a person up to seven attempts to leave an abusive situation. The key thing to remember is that there is support available.”

Organisations such as 1800Respect, Australian Childhood Foundation, and Our Watch offer valuable resources to those in need, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone.

Shaynna emphasises the power of art in driving social change.

“The arts are powerful because they break down uncomfortable barriers.”

Creative expression makes tough conversations more accessible, helping to shift mindsets, spark action, and ensure survivors are seen, heard and supported.

Janise Mitchell: protecting children and supporting survivors

Janise Mitchell sits on a chair, speaking into a hand-held microphone. She is wearing black slacks and a black and grey wide plaid pattern top. To her right, also sitting in a chair is panel member Paul Oliver, wearing tan trousers, a light blue shirt and a drak blue jacket. They are outside and in the background can be seen a central urban street with traffic lights.

Caption: Janise Mitchell speaking at a Q&A for a screening of Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Credit: Miles Formby.

As CEO of Australian Childhood Foundation, Janise Mitchell is on a mission to protect children from abuse and family violence.

“Children and young people need a community of relationships around them,” she said.

“The best way to support and prevent abuse…is to just have a relationship with a young person within which they know that you care about them.”

That’s how we prevent harm – by being a trusted person they can turn to.

Janise urged adults to believe children when they speak out.

“Most kids don’t disclose…if a child confides in you, don’t be afraid to take the next step. It’s a cry for help.

Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story doesn’t just inspire action to protect today’s children – it empowers survivors and young adults to see that there is life beyond the struggle. As Jelena says, we’re a lot stronger than we think we are, especially when we go through tough times.

Together, we can be unbreakable. Unbreakable is available to stream on 9Now.