Christmas season a time of increased domestic violence

Christmas is billed as a time of connection and joy but that's not always the case.

The festive season also coincides with a marked increase in incidents of domestic violence, making it the busiest time for women's shelters around the country.

Annabelle Danielle from Women's Community Shelters says "women express a huge amount of relief when they come to our shelters".

We put in a lot of effort to ensure that our shelters feel like home," she said.

Women's Community Shelters has launched a campaign to help women and children who are forced to flee their homes this Christmas.