It's National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local counties and organizations are educating people about domestic and dating violence. Megan Cruz has the details.

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Local leaders and law enforcement joined with the Director of County Crime Victim Center, to call attention to how prevalent domestic violence is. They say from October 2011 to May 2012, the center opened 160 new domestic violence cases and provided support services to about 230 people in Albany County. Officials say those numbers could actually be higher, because victims often don't come forward about their abuse.

"How did this happen? How did this slip through the cracks? That's what happens with a lot of these cases, they kind of slip through the crack and unfortunately we don't get word till it's too late," said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.

"It's very important that family members, neighbors, everyone turn the light on and shine that light on domestic violence," said Albany County District Attorney David Soares.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced a meeting of elected officials and several local faith-based organizations to continue their domestic violence awareness outreach.

That meeting is scheduled for October 27th.