There is an epidemic of violence against women in Australia.
1 in 4 women experience abuse.
Sweethearts is a memorial to the women killed by violence this year, and a call for all of us to stop excusing it.
Sixty heart-shaped graves at Sculpture by the Sea, 2026. One for every woman killed this year.
Many of these women were killed by their “sweetheart.” Each heart carries something people say before the worst happens.
He’s a good bloke.She coulda left.Just a scratch.
They sound harmless. They’re not. Every one of them buys him another day.
*Approximate, based on Sherele Moody’s Australian Femicide Watch. The hearts represent how these women died, not the full lives they lived.
Visit the sculpture.
- Marks Park, on the coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama
- Sculpture by the Sea, 2026
Photos: Elise Hassey
In the news
“It should make you feel sick when you see that you recognise it.”
Philippa Lysaght, co-creator, to ABC News
- Women’s Agenda ‘She coulda left’: The powerful artwork exposing the excuses used to minimise domestic violence
- ABC News Artwork puts focus on violence against women as Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea marks 30 years
- Sydney Morning Herald NSW artist becomes just fourth woman in 30 years to win major Sculpture by the Sea prize
What’s carved on the hearts.
Every line is something people really say. Open one to see what’s actually true.
Call it out.
Next time you hear it’s not my business,
he only pushed her,
he was drunk
or she coulda left,
don’t let it slide.
Ask her if she’s ok. Listen, and support her. Tell him you see his behaviour. Don’t excuse it, and support him to get help.
If you’re worried about someone, ask:
- How is the behaviour affecting you?
- How is it affecting your children?
- What do you think you should do?
- What are you afraid of if you leave?
- What are you afraid of if you stay?
If you’re worried someone is using violence:
- Name the specific behaviour you’ve seen.
- Don’t accuse, argue or judge.
- Say you’re worried about their partner’s or family’s safety.
- Don’t get drawn into excusing the abuse.
- Remind them help is available.
- Let them know you believe they can change.
Get support.
Experiencing violence, abuse or coercive control?
1800 737 732Call 1800RESPECT, for you or someone you know. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day.
Worried about your own behaviour?
1300 766 491The Men’s Referral Service works with men who want to change their behaviour and take responsibility for its impact.
Want to understand it better?
Our WatchThe research and practical information to help stop violence before it starts.
Where this comes from.
ANROWS
We worked closely with ANROWS to make sure Sweethearts is grounded in evidence. They helped us refine the concept, understand bystander action, connect with the sector, and get the facts on this site right.
Australian Femicide Watch
Sherele Moody records and remembers every woman killed by violence in Australia. When Sweethearts opened in October, the count stood at 56. By the time it closes on 2 November, it’s expected to be close to 60. Last year it was 79. The year before, 106.
Jess Hill
Sweethearts was inspired by Jess Hill’s work on violence, abuse and control: her book See What You Made Me Do, her Quarterly Essay, and her interview on The Imperfects.
How they were made.
Every heart was poured, carved and hand-polished in the workshop. See the whole build at @sweetheartsgraveyard
About us.
Violence against women is one of the biggest problems Australia faces. It’s also one of the quietest.
It’s excused, minimised and silenced. We made Sweethearts to put it where it can’t be avoided: 60 headstones on the coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama, in the middle of a beautiful spring day.
We’re Flim Flam Studio, an artist collective formed for this project. We think art can make people stop, start conversations, and change what they’re willing to let slide.
The phrases on the hearts came from women in our community, Women’s Community Shelters staff, victim-survivors and men’s groups. They’re grounded in lived experience.
Works across social impact, advocacy and creative practice, using storytelling to bring people into hard conversations.
A Sydney-based artist working in sculpture, installation, film and performance.
A writer, illustrator and creative director.
Get in touch.
There’s an epidemic of violence against women. And we want the conversation to continue.
If you’d like to bring the hearts to your city, festival, campus or public space, we’d love to talk. We’re also available to speak about the work at conferences, workplaces, schools and events: how it was made, the excuses it confronts, and what each of us can do.
And if Sweethearts stayed with you, we’d like to hear about it.
FlimFlamStudio3000@gmail.comThis inbox isn’t monitored for support. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
3 in 4women seeking shelter are turned away.
Every woman deserves a safe place to call home.
Women’s Community Shelters helps women and children rebuild their lives with crisis accommodation, transitional housing and specialist support. The artwork was developed with shelter staff, and all profits go to their work.