October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hundreds of people gathered at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on Wednesday night for the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month vigil. Every year, the event, hosted by The Center for Family Justice (CFJ), serves to spark conversations and raise awareness about domestic violence.

The vigil began shortly after 5:30 p.m. There was spoken word, stories from survivors and a tribute to the 18 people who lost their lives to domestic violence this year. One of the most recent victims featured was Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, a 12-year-old girl whose remains were found in a bin behind a New Britain home last week.

"I've said it year after year after year. One is too many," said Debra Greenwood, president and CEO of The Center for Family Justice.

Greenwood said in the past year, the organization has served 5,140 people.

"If you are or know someone, you can call the hotline. You don't have to be the victim yourself. Please encourage someone to come and speak to one of our counselors. We will help you in every way we can," Greenwood said.

Elba Santos is an advocate with "Voices," a group with the CFJ. As an advocate, she shares the story of her daughter Angie Noemi, a 29-year-old mother of three who was killed by her ex-husband. Santos said transitioning from a grandmother to an adoptive mother role wasn't easy, but she now raises her three grandchildren as her daughter would have.

"Advocating is not today. It's not this month. It's every day of our lives. Every day," Santos said.

Before she finishes her speech, Santos said she always leaves the audience with one piece of advice.

"My last sentence is always, do not give an abuser a second chance because giving an abuser a second chance is like giving that person another bullet because the first one missed," she said.

According to the CFJ, you can still make an impact this month by sharing resources and stories, supporting local organizations working to end domestic violence, and encouraging open and honest conversations in your community.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the domestic violence hotline at 888-774-2900 or use the live chat/email ctsafeconnect.org. Help is available 24/7. It is free and confidential.