A CAMPAIGN against domestic abuse was stepped up today by the Scottish Executive with the unveiling of new controversial posters.

Statements often used by abusive partners will feature on the posters, such as You're useless', You're going nowhere', You look a state', You're a waste of space' - will go up in Glasgow over the next five days.

The idea is to communicate the persistency of emotional abuse, which can erode self-esteem, confidence and self-worth.

It's the latest phase in the Domestic Abuse, There's No Excuse campaign rolled out by the Scottish Executive.

More than 20,000 calls were made to the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline last year, from January 1 to December 31.

Liz Kelly, training co-ordinator at the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, said: "We receive many calls at the helpline relating to incidents of psychological or mental abuse and these have increased since the new advertising campaign highlighted the issue last year.

"Many women don't realise that what they are actually experiencing is domestic abuse, so we talk through their experiences with them and help them understand their partner's controlling behaviour.

"We listen but also offer ways to get help, from contact with a local women's aid group or the police, to finding refuge accommodation, making GP appointments and getting good legal advice.

"It's heartbreaking to listen to some of the stories that we hear every day of the week from women from all walks of life across Scotland.

"But it shows that domestic abuse happens to anyone - it transcends class, religion, geographical region and age.

"And the most important thing to know is that help is at the end of a phone - just talking to someone can make you feel better about your situation."