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.
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. By mid-October, when the artwork opens, the count is projected to be 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.
From the workshop.
Follow the build as the hearts come together. @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.
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.
Make a heart.
Everyone’s heard one.
She pushes his buttons.That’s just how he is.It takes two.
Add the line you’ve heard, and share it. The graves stop at sixty. The excuses don’t.
Your heart will appear here.
To save it, press and hold the image, or right-click on a computer.