Hozier & Saoirse Ronan To Shine Light On Issue Of Domestic Violence

Acclaimed singer / songwriter Hozier is making his song ‘Cherry Wine’ a clarion call to highlight the issue of domestic violence.  The Valentine’s Day premiere of his powerful new video will address the issue head on while Hozier, Island Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing will donate their respective proceeds from downloads of this special single to a series of international domestic abuse charities - organisations which provide support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse while also engaging in advocacy and community outreach. 
 
The compelling video stars two time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan in a moving portrayal of a woman dealing with a physically abusive relationship. The clip also stars actor Moe Dunford (Vikings, Game Of Thrones) and is directed by Emmy winning Irish director Dearbhla Walsh.
 
Cherry Wine was written by Hozier from the male perspective of an abuse sufferer.   The song’s lyrics offer a unique insight into an abusive relationship, shining a light on the cycle of ‘justification’ often perpetuated in domestic violence incidents; that public health experts say controls the abused, shames the victim, and shifts responsibility for the abuser’s violent behavior.
 
Speaking of his decision to lead this charity campaign Hozier said, “Domestic violence is an ongoing issue in our society, the statistics of which are shocking and the effects of which damage whole families, communities and span generations.  With the song Cherry Wine, I tried to get across the difficulty of coming to terms with and facing up to domestic violence and the dynamic of an abusive relationship. I'm honoured to be joined by Saoirse Ronan, Dearbhla Walsh and Moe Dunford in spreading awareness on this issue, and it's important to me that the proceeds from this release will go to a domestic abuse charity in the country from which it was downloaded.”


Photo courtesy of Universal Music NZ

Saoirse Ronan added, "I am thrilled to join Hozier to create awareness for the #FaceUpToDomesticViolence campaign with the release of “Cherry Wine" as a charity single.  The song has always been one of my favourite tracks on his album. I hope through the video and song we can shine light on the issue and complexity of domestic abuse and in doing so help those caught up in the cycle of domestic violence”.
 
In New Zealand, proceeds from the “Cherry Wine” iTunes single go to Shine, the country’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity. Founded in 1990, Shine (www.2shine.org.nz) delivers a range of services that help thousands of people every year to be safer, happier and more settled.  Shine supports adult and child victims to be safe, supports men who have used abuse to change their behaviour and trains health and other professionals to respond safely and effectively to victims of domestic abuse. Shine’s major annual fundraiser is ‘Orange Friday’, which takes place this year on March 11. You, your school, workplace, club or community group can register to participate - ‘go orange’ and fundraise for Shine - at www.orangefriday.org.nz. All proceeds go to help victims of domestic abuse get safe and stay safe.