A warning the Christmas period can put vulnerable children at risk

Children's charity Barnados says with schools and some services closed during the holidays - people are left without their usual support networks.

Chief Executive Officer, Matt Reid, says pressure at Christmas can be the breaking point for already challenging situations.

He says it can lead to an increase in family violence.

Reid says Christmas is fantastic for most children, but sadly not all - and more needs to be done prevent this in the future.