Hozier’s new music video for his song “Cherry Wine” is a chilling depiction of the violent cycle of domestic abuse.

Too many women and men around the world experience domestic abuse. Hozier believes this and decided to shed some light on the topic by portraying the cycle of “justification” that too many victims become trapped in.

“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,” Hozier explained on his website.

The music video contributes a unique illustration through its lyrics and visuals. The presentation sets a strong juxtaposition. The lyrics of the song are from the perspective of male victim of abuse, a rare portrayal in mainstream media.

The chilling lyrics follow as, “The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine. Open hand or closed fist would be fine. Blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.”

The video sets these lyrics over visuals that reveal a woman’s journey as a victim in the relationship depicted. The juxtaposition of the two stories created by the lyrics and the visuals, as well as a final presentation of faces of actual male and female victims of abuse, is powerful and all encompassing.

Make your way over to Hozier’s website to read more about his songwriting journey or to download this powerful song.

Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan from Brooklyn and actor Moe Dunford from Game Of Thrones star in the captivating video, using their celebrity limelight like Hozier to make a bold statement: the world needs to care and converse about domestic violence.

Hozier continues to participate in this conversation after the video release, through his Twitter:

The music video concludes with the action hashtag of #faceuptodomesticviolence to remind everyone that there’s hope amid all the hurt by standing up and facing domestic violence.

Violent experiences often lead to physical, mental, and emotional health problems. This is truly a global problem. 

At least 119 countries have passed laws on domestic violence. However, these laws are not always implemented, or implemented appropriately to help women.

In 2015, less than 40% of women who experienced violence across the world, sought help.

Reluctance to seek help can relate back to a country’s acceptance of domestic violence or that many women would lose the household’s main economic source if her husband is taken away for his violent actions.

The solution to facing up to domestic violence is not a simple one, it is a systemic challenging one in need of everyone to be a part of the conversation: global citizens, governments, policy makers, leaders, survivors, and victims.

As global citizens, we are not a generation of bystanders.

We can #faceuptodomesticviolence together.

Proceeds from each download of the Hozier’s single will be donated to a variety of international domestic abuse charities that offer support and empower victims and survivors to advocate. Additionally, the website provides helplines offered by these international charities. If you or a friend is suffering from physical, emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse, click here to find a local domestic abuse helpline at the bottom of the website.

TopicsDomestic ViolenceVideoDigestgirls and womenHozier

Editorial

Demand Equity

Hozier’s Music Video Shines a Unique Light on Domestic Violence

By Gina Darnaud