Three separate homicides in Cayuga County last year were linked to domestic violence.
Law enforcement officials said the incidents have spurred new efforts to end the crimes.
As our Andrew Sorensen tells us, officials are now using Domestic Violence Awareness Month to get the public's help in ending domestic violence.

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AUBURN, N.Y. -- The impact of domestic violence can be devastating, just ask people in Auburn.

"We lost our daughter, Katie Socci last June, and it's just been awful ever since," Tina Socci said.

"Our community last year had three domestic related homicides. That's an awful lot for the size of Cayuga County," explained Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould.

That's why this month, just about the entire city is purple, the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Gould said the incidents have greatly increased their community's attention to the issue, "Even more than it was. So we've had rallies for the last several years. This one means a lot more."

They hope to increase your attention to the issue throughout the month. As a part of their efforts with action groups, dozens showed up on Wednesday to hear Tina and John Socci speak about their 29-year-old daughter at 'Wear Purple Day'.

"When you go through such a tragedy, it just, it reinforces your belief that you want to do everything you can to help prevent someone else from going through the same tragedy," John Socci said.

The Soccis have participated in several rallies and speaking engagements trying to help people understand how to deal with domestic violence.

"If you know of incidents that are taking place, go to the professionals, let them sort it out," said Socci.

Advocates at the Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency, who helped put this rally together, said one stop agencies like theirs, are a great place to start.

"We work hand in hand with law enforcement, with family courts, department of social services, any place that a victim could need to go to get help and services," said Jennie Huling, Domestic Violence Advocate and Educator with the Cayuga/Seneca Community.

But, Socci said being a domestic violence victim advocate starts before that.

"Don't ignore it, please," he said. "It could mean someone's life."