NZ soul singer Hollie Smith is lending her voice to the White Ribbon Trust campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Hollie wrote the song 'Please' specially for the cause. "I hope that the lyrics I have written helps to inspire and encourage strength and support for those who are in situations they feel are beyond their control, whether that be to the victim of violence or the person who knows no other alternative."
“I ... hope that the song and imagery we have created can in some small way, contribute and raise awareness to an issue that New Zealand urgently needs to address and prioritise”.
Hollie Smith - Please Photo: White Ribbon Trust
The annual White Ribbon Day is on Friday 25th November, with the focus this year on ‘Respectful Relationships’.
“Most men treat women with respect,” says White Ribbon Ambassador Mark Longley, “but the biggest cause of violence is the belief that men have more rights and power than women. This campaign asks men to challenge those ideas and treat women how they would like to be treated, and let go of the feeling that we have to be in charge.”
“We want to make the information on respect as accessible as possible, so we’ve also created a ‘Toolbox’ which contains practical tips on how to treat women equally, communicate respectfully and have a respectful sexual relationship. We see this work as a protection against violence, and we’re asking men to download the ‘Toolbox’ and then take The White Ribbon Pledge,” says Mr Longley.
‘PLEASE’ by Hollie Smith
We all fighting a battle that no one else can see
We all have our own reason, excuses we can't release
We all need a haven, when all there is, is rain
We all need forgiveness to have our slates wiped clean
I wish I that I could tell you
I wish that you could hear
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Never gonna turn my back
I wish that you could listen
Cause I know that you are strong
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Know that you are not alone. Please
Only hold the burden, inherit all the shame
Refusing there’s a saviour, can’t let go of the blame
If the cycles keep on turning, you need to break free the chains
The scars may never leave you but there’s a spirit to reclaim
I wish I that I could tell you
I wish that you could hear
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Never gonna turn my back
I wish that you could listen
Cause I know that you are strong
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Know that you are not alone. Please
Where we don’t, cast any stone
No longer, know you’re alone
Holding feet to the fire, don’t walk this alone
You can change your fate
