The Dundee charity supports victims of domestic violence

Green MSP Shiona Baird praised the work of the Eighteen and Under group when MSPs discussed the issue of violence against women.

A call for MSPs to support the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence was also made.

Ms Baird said the Dundee group provided "invaluable support".

The MSP is a member of the Scottish Parliament's Men's Violence Against Women and Children cross-party working group.

She said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit some such activists at the Eighteen and Under project in Dundee and hear first hand about the invaluable support they provide to children and young people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.

A monumental shift in attitude and behaviour will be required if we are ever to eradicate gender violence Shiona Baird Scottish Green Party

"Through their work with young survivors of abuse, they identified a need to work more proactively in raising awareness and preventing abuse from happening, and their innovative (violence is preventable) project work, aimed at children and their parents, has been especially successful."

She said the group also focuses on the needs of senior citizens, mostly women, because older people find themselves in situations of increased vulnerability - either through moving into care homes, or just by being less physically and mentally able.

"Elderly people need extra support and information to protect themselves, and violence against older women is something that is too often overlooked and unreported," Ms Baird added.