A mural dedicated to women who have allegedly died as a result of violence has been defaced in Melbourne’s iconic Hosier Lane, as reported by the ABC.
The “She Matters” mural, which honours over 100 Australian women who are believed to have been murdered or died due to violence, was vandalised with the phrase “war on men” spray-painted across it.
According to the ABC report, “volunteers are gathering in Hosier Lane to replace the damaged images and apply graffiti protection paint in an attempt to prevent further harm.”
Erected on International Women’s Day in 2024, the memorial has been maintained by The Red Hearts Campaign and Australian Femicide Watch founder Sherele Moody. Moody, who has been regularly repairing and adding new images to the mural, shared that she had been working on it “pretty much weekly.”
“I know most of the families of the victims featured on that wall, and it’s heartbreaking to think someone would consider these women so insignificant that they could deface this tribute,” Moody told the ABC.
She noted that the mural has suffered frequent defacement, with individual images previously needing replacement. However, this recent act of vandalism was the most severe damage the mural has experienced, with nearly the entire display needing restoration.
“The worst part was receiving messages from the families of the women featured, devastated that their loved ones were erased once again,” Moody explained. “These women have already been forgotten, and now someone has gone and erased them again.”
On Saturday morning, a group of volunteers gathered in Hosier Lane to assist Moody with the repairs. To prevent future damage, graffiti-protection paint will be applied, and Moody is considering hiring a security guard to monitor the mural while the protective layer sets.
A vigil for the women memorialised in the mural was planned for Mother’s Day the following weekend.
“This mural has sparked global conversations. Footage of it has been seen around the world,” Moody said. “I’ve sat there and listened to women share their stories of violence, discuss red flags, and share the things that helped them escape. I’ve also heard men say, ‘Wow, I had no idea this was happening. I want to help fix this.’ It’s so important.”
Ms. Moody has called on anyone with footage of the perpetrators to come forward.
While she is uncertain if police can take action, as street art is permitted in Hosier Lane, she has appealed to the Melbourne City Council to either help protect the mural or assist in relocating it to a safer location where it can be preserved.
Victoria Police has stated that they are unaware of whether a complaint has been filed regarding the incident.
