Twenty-five years ago, Mel Thomas walked into a martial arts class and it changed the course of her life.

Mel was born into family violence and throughout much of her youth. As such, she had a front-row seat to unhealthy and abusive relationships.

As the final guest for Season Five of The Leadership Lessons, Mel talks about the shameful epidemic of domestic and family violence that exists in Australia, and her personal experiences that have propelled her to create change for others.

Mel is now a specialist in Hapkido, a Korean form of martial arts, and has two Australian titles under her belt. She’s also the founder of the KYUP! Project, an organisation she started to empower young Australians, raise their standards and champion their safety and wellbeing.

The KYUP! Project runs workshops all over Australia, in schools, communities and workplaces, aiming to end the cycle of violence at a grassroots level.

The Leadership Lessons is hosted by Shirley Chowdhary and supported by Salesforce. It's produced by Allison Ho and Agenda Media, the publisher behind Women's Agenda.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family and domestic violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

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