The Greenwich YWCA held its annual vigil for those affected by domestic violence Thursday night, a problem that officials believe is on the rise.

Authorities have said that calls to the YWCA hotline have been up 66 percent. Experts are not sure if this means there are more incidents or just more people coming forward.

Former police officer Mark Wynn says that people need to know there is a community of support there to help victims of domestic violence.

?It takes a strong police department to stand up with that person in court, it takes a strong prosecutor to bring that case to court,? said Wynn. ?It takes a strong judge to sentence, it takes a strong community to offer support services.?

Last year, 22 Connecticut residents died as a result of domestic violence. According to Wynn, the only way to break the cycle is to come forward and show strength.