BEATING HEARTS: Stories of Domestic Violence is a photographic project inspired by true stories of domestic violence. The series of twelve posters, each 22” x 28”, is based on stories and artwork from the original Beating Hearts exhibit, which features large and small photo constructions (some of them 3-dimensional) with accompanying text.

The exhibit is the work of Kate Sartor Hilburn and Terrie Queen Autrey of Louisiana. Sartor Hilburn, an artist/photographer, and Autrey, a writer and activist, teamed up to create a body of work that retells in visual and verbal terms the actual stories and experiences of women they have known and talked with through their work in domestic abuse prevention.

In some of the pieces their intent is simply to provide information and answers to questions, such as "Why Do Women Stay?". In other pieces, they have created a portrait of a victim and the abuse she has suffered. The testimonies cover different ages, genders, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Although most of the stories were gathered from women in Louisiana, they convey many of the universal struggles experienced by scores of battered women all over the world.

More information about the project.
To View the Posters
To Borrow the Exhibit

For information on how to borrow the exhibit or call VSDVAA at 804.377.0335 or e-mail Kate McCord at Info@vsdvalliance.org. E-mail is not a secure form of communication. To ensure confidentiality please call the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.838.8238 (V/TTY).