Christina Aguilera is teaming with HopeLine from Verizon to support domestic violence prevention and awareness.
The singer and reality-competition judge has been vocal about the role domestic violence played in her life, and has been an advocate for victims since early-on in her career. People hoping to support the campaign can buy an exclusive Verizon-HTC pre-paid bundle at any Walmart store to buoy the work of HopeLine from Verizon and the work of the Joyful Heart Foundation. We sat down with Aguilera to talk about her advocacy, the campaign, and new music she’s working on.
Why did you want to be part of this campaign?
For me it was a no-brainer, and if anything, a must for what’s close to my heart. I’ve been pretty vocal and open about witnessing domestic violence in my own home and neighboring homes. It’s always been pretty predominant in my environment from a really young age. And it’s so important and so common. It’s way more common than we’d like to talk about. And it’s something people don’t like to talk about. It’s very sensitive, it’s very private, it’s in the home. There’s so much shame that’s based around it. So for me it’s that much more important given my passion for music, the voice that I have to express myself through song, the platform that I’ve worked hard to build for myself; to be able to partner with Verizon and HopeLine and knowing what they do for domestic violence prevention all over America is pretty incredible and really important for me to be a part of.
[On the Walmart Bundle]
What easier way to help than to go to Walmart, buy a Verizon pre-paid phone package and literally just give some support and some help to all these families that are affected by this: mothers, wives, children. And people who don’t have financial means to leave a situation. I made a decision very early on that I was going to be dedicated to supporting myself so I’d never have to rely on another person. There are so many residual effects that can happen, so the earlier we can stop it, the better. And such an easy way: Go to Walmart, Get it done! *Laughs
I think I saw something related to the campaign that said people have to choose oftentimes between homelessness and going back to an abusive relationship.
Yeah. There are shelters. Other ways you can help: While you’re at Walmart, pick up the package. But even extra clothes you can donate that you might not need anymore. Sweatpants, sweats, socks: people need essentials when they go to these places, when they have no home to escape to. Toiletries: another big one. Simple, easy ways to give.
And you’re involved with other charities, too.
Yeah I’ve worked with the U.N. as a world hunger ambassador since 2009. Always something that’s so near to my heart. Always eye-opening and fascinating and so humbling to come back from these trips in these developing countries and try to raise awareness there, too. So yeah these are my two big causes; world hunger and domestic violence.
Tell me about new music you’re working on.
I’m very excited. I wish I could say more. I really wish I could. They’re more like musical projects I’m working on right now because the genres are a little bit different the producers I’m working with are ones I’ve never experimented with before. And I’m very excited about it. I really have to respect the process of creativity. I’m not robotic, and it’s important to me the material is genuine and truthful and always game-changing. Give you something different and offer up what’s inspiring me currently. So on the tip of my tongue but I don’t want to say anything. But new music is coming. That’s my ultimate goal right now.