Women's Aid is extending its helpline hours after the New Year

Women's Aid is extending the hours of its free-phone helpline from the New Year.

The charity which supports victims of domestic violence has said its helpline will be open 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week, from the 4th of January.

Women's Aid has said domestic violence often increases around Christmas time, as consumption of alcohol tends to increase.

CEO Margaret Martin, has said people should get in contact with the Gardaí if they are in immediate danger: “our freephone helpline is available from 10am in the morning until 10pm in the evening.

“It is 1800 341 900, now it is available every day and from the 4th of January we will be making it available on a 24/7 basis.

“If somebody is in immediate danger and they need protection we would recommend that they ring the police on 999.”