The 'Dollshouse' adverts form part of the 'Domestic Abuse: There's No Excuse' campaign, which will be shown on Scottish screens from Boxing Day.

Adverts will also run in national and local newspapers until the end of January 2003.

The campaign, which is part of a drive to improve public awareness of domestic abuse in Scotland, was welcomed by Scottish Women's Aid as an "enlightened approach".

Perpetrators need to know that society will not accept their behaviour Margaret Curran

Margaret Curran, the social justice minister, said that while attitudes had improved the blight of abuse on Scottish society remained.

She said: "No-one should have to live in fear of domestic abuse.

"This campaign is an important part of our work to rid Scotland of this distressing problem.

"We must reach families to raise their awareness and reduce the acceptance of abuse."

'Stepping stone'

She said it was vital to inform young people, before they start getting into relationships, that abuse is always wrong.

"Perpetrators need to know that society will not accept their behaviour," she said.

The minister said victims of domestic abuse must know that help and advice was available.

"Whether it's the stepping stone of refuge, or advice and support from people like Women's Aid and the police," the minister added.

The campaign runs until January

Dawn Brennan, whose mother experienced domestic abuse, said: "I grew up with domestic abuse. It is a subject shrouded in secrecy.

"A secrecy which covers the embarrassment, confusion and shame which allows the abuse to continue.

"In the last decade I have witnessed the vast changes that have happened in response to women and children speaking out.

"People used to speak of 'domestics' as though this was an inevitable part of marriage - no one asked if we were all right or phoned the police."

She said domestic abuse in any form was unacceptable and the advertising campaign was an important step in conveying that message.

We welcome this enlightened approach which ensures that children and young people are no longer the hidden victims of domestic abuse Claire Houghton Scottish Women's Aid

Claire Houghton, National Children's Rights Worker at Scottish Women's Aid, welcomed the campaign.

She said: "We commend the executive's ongoing commitment to challenging public attitudes about domestic abuse.

"The new advert clearly demonstrates the effects of domestic abuse on children and young people - that women and their children are not alone and never to blame.

"We welcome this enlightened approach which ensures that children and young people are no longer the hidden victims of domestic abuse."

Women's Aid would expand its services to ensure that women and children and experiencing abuse received support, she added.

A freephone helpline - 0800 027 1234 - operates all year round and information is also available at www.domesticabuse.co.uk..