London, Apr 26 : An anti-domestic violence advert, starring Keira Knightley, has been branded "too shocking" by advertising censors.

The British actress did the public service advertisement titled Cut, for Women''s Aid, an anti-domestic violence group.

Now, censor bosses are refusing to allow it to be broadcast on TV unless key scenes are cut.

The gripping ad shows Knightley leaving a movie set and arriving home late to a violent partner. He beats her, pulling her up by the hair and kicking her in the stomach.

The camera then pans out to show she''s still on a movie set and the words "isn''t it time someone called cut" are shown onscreen. She can be heard screaming in the background.

The commercial was directed by BAFTA winner Joe Wright, who worked with Knightley on Atonement.

Charities working to combat domestic violence branded the decision by Clearcast, the ad approval body "pathetic".

"It seems pathetic. It is really important to raise awareness about domestic violence, and TV gets into people''s homes," The Independent quoted Sandra Horely, chief executive of Refuge, a charity that provides accommodation for women and children escaping from domestic violence, as saying.

"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," said Horely.

It was being hoped that the ad would air on TV this month, but it will now only be seen on British television if scenes showing Knightley being thrown to the floor and kicked are axed.

"The reason we are still in conversation with Clearcast about it is because they believe it is too violent," said Chris Hirst, managing director of Grey London Advertising Agency, which created The Cut.

"Part of the point of the campaign is to raise awareness about domestic violence, and spark debate, which the advert has done, even if it doesn''t make it on to TV," he added. (ANI)