Domestic abuse charity ad 'to be censored'

27 April 2009

A charity advert featuring actress Keira Knightley aimed at boosting awareness of domestic violence must be edited before reaching television screens, Ofcom censor Clearcast has ruled.

Made for Women's Aid, the short features Knightley returning home to an abusive boyfriend who attacks her in a jealous rage.

Refuge chief executive Sandra Horely criticised the move: "It is really important to raise awareness about domestic violence and TV gets into people's homes.

"Many women who are victims of domestic violence are isolated by their partner and in these situations TV is very helpful. It is also a great way to reach the public and raise awareness of the issue."

Entitled The Cut and created by award-winning director Joe Wright, the advert has already been shown in cinemas and was expected to hit televisions this month.

Women's Aid supports a network of 500 domestic abuse services in the UK.

The organisation reports that a quarter of women will fall victim to household abuse at some point in their lives.

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