However Ms Edwards said it was important children were educated to recognise violence, and how they could get help if affected by it.
She said it was upsetting her work, which set out to "encourage victims of domestic violence to speak up, that there is support out there for them and that they will be heard", had been hidden.
"It was really insulting to the women and the cause, and our community."
To bring the message back into the open and encourage educating the younger generation the billboard was taken through the CBD yesterday by a group, flanked by children.
It was an emotional scene when the protest arrived at Hastings District Council, where Ms Edwards chained herself to the railings outside. To the council staff, and Hastings Mayor gathered outside, she asked how they would address the issue.
Ms Hazlehurst later said "as a woman and a mother I felt [Ms Edwards'] hurt".
"As the mayor I am very, very aware of Hawke's Bay's unacceptably high levels of domestic violence," she said.
"I would like all the community leaders, both central and local government and the wider community to find ways to address this. I will be talking to councillors about how we can be involved as a council but it is time as a community to bring about change."
Ms Edwards said she was pleased with council's response, and would be happy to work with the mayor. This protest came after meetings had not resolved the issue.
In the early 2000s the artist was sexually violated by a home invader. Since she has created art addressing violence, abuse, and encouraging people to break the "code of silence" which surrounds it.
-S.H.E will be exhibited at the Hastings Community Arts Centre for two weeks from Monday.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to:
Hastings Women's Refuge, ph 0800 733 843, or 06 870 6024.
Napier Women's Refuge, ph 0800 733 843, or 06 843 6515.
Victim Support (Hastings ph 06 873 0543, or Napier ph 06 831 0735).
Maori Women's Refuge, ph 06 878 2042.
The Hawke's Bay Police family harm team, ph 06 831 0700.