Advocates and lawmakers gathered in Hartford to speak on the victims killed by homicide.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz talked about violence against women.

Homicide Victims Awareness Month is meant to support the family members of victims and to educate the public about how homicides impact communities and loved ones.

Family members of victims attended a news conference in Hartford and held pictures of the ones they lost.

"The vast majority of the victims in intimate partner violence are women, almost 90% of intimate partner violence are women, and unfortunately, one in 15 children are exposed to this violence every year," said Bysiewicz.

Bysiewicz said 90% of the witnesses to domestic violence are children.

Homicide Victims Awareness Month runs through Dec. 20.