It’s not often a subject that gets the music video treatment, but domestic violence is an issue that NEEDS to become more mainstream because awareness is key.
We have recently become fangirls of pop singer Emii, whose new single ‘Leaving You Behind’ tackles this issue. In the video we see Emii, who is in a relationship with an older, very wealthy man, get involved in a confrontation where he hits her. She is seen with bruises all over her body throughout the clip, and toward the end when her partner strikes her across the face while in the bedroom, a fight ensues.
Her only female bodyguard confronts all the male bodyguards in a Matrix-style battle in order to run up the stairs and rescue Emii who is in danger of being hurt by her partner even further.
It may be a fictional music video played to tune of Emii’s soaring and emotional vocals, but situations like this happen every day and often behind closed doors.
To put things into perspective, here are a few facts about domestic violence in the US. Between 2001 and 2012, 6,488 troops were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The number of American women who were murdered by current or ex male partners during that time was 11,766.
Women are also more likely to be partners of intimate partner violence as 85% of domestic violence victims are women, and 15% are men. A woman is beaten every 9 seconds in the US. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness amongst families. These statistics get worse when you start looking into LGBTQ cases, women of color, and people with disabilities.
What we’re trying to say is, this issue deserves more pop culture and entertainment coverage than Kim Kardashian’s latest outfit! So when we see musicians and pop stars like Emii, and country singer Sam Hunt who recently released a confronting music video about domestic violence called “Take Your Time”, they are setting an important example for the rest of the industry.
The music and entertainment biz is arguably more impactful than your average news source. Thanks to social media, everyone having smart phones and the internet being part of our everyday lives, we consume a HELL of a lot of media on a daily basis. We need to see more and more influential people shedding light on important issues.
Singer Emii (full name Emily Rose Morrison) originally comes from Pittsburgh and moved to New York to pursue her dream of becoming an entertainer. After years of working in theater she began to write music and eventually moved to Los Angeles to work with a production company.
Since launching her music career, she has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, shared the stage with Flo Rida, been featured in Billboard magazine, Rollingstone Magazine and had her music played on MTV and Vh1. Her music video ‘Leaving You Behind’ has garnered over a million views which is a big deal for an up-and-coming artist.
Aside from her music success, Emii has joined the No More anti-domestic violence campaign which has featured many notable celebrities and high-profile athletes. As a No More ambassador, Emii will soon be seen in a docu-series by filmmaker Hannelore Williams about the importance of visibility when it comes to this important campaign.
A recent study found that 64% of Americans believe if we talk more about domestic violence and sexual assault, it would make it easier to help someone, which is what makes Emii’s mission all the more admirable.
She could very easily sell out and become like every other homogenous pop star out there today, but her talent and her message already sets her apart from the rest. Bravo Emii for being a woman on a mission! We hope more musicians are inspired to follow in your footsteps and join you in the fight against domestic violence.
Check out the music video for ‘Leaving You Behind’ below:
