MADISON, Wis. -- A prominent couple in Madison’s Latino community is dead in what authorities said they believe was an apparent case of murder-suicide.

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Madison police said that they believe the deaths of Viviana Tellez-Giron, 33, and her estranged husband, Salvador Tellez-Giron, 66, were likely triggered by domestic abuse. In fact, Viviana Tellez-Giron was a longtime volunteer with a local group working to help those suffering from domestic violence.

The incident occurred in the 700 block of Kottke Drive on Saturday. Police said that Viviana Tellez-Giron died of blunt-force injuries inside her estranged husband’s condo. The two were separated at the time of their deaths. Salvador Tellez-Giron apparently hanged himself.

The couple was well-known in Madison’s Latino community. In fact, Salvador Tellez-Giron and his previous wife were named the Wisconsin Hispanic Family of the Year in 2005.

The pair's deaths have left many in the community devastated and outraged.

Centro Hispano's Peter Munoz said that he knew the couple.

"It's certainly been a shock to the community as well because this family has been very involved doing very positive work always in the community," said Munoz.

In an odd twist, Viviana Tellez-Giron worked and fought against domestic violence for more than five years. She volunteered with Unidos Against Domestic Violence.

"Viviana was somebody's mother; somebody's friend many people's friend, a volunteer, and employee, a child care provider. She was an important person in our community," said Julie Andersen, who also works at Unidos Against Domestic Violence.

Advocates said that they will continue to raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse. They said that they're hoping to end the violence by ending the silence surrounding it.

"There's a lot of grief, sadness and a lot of anger that this continues to go on," said Andersen.

Marlys Howe, director of Domestic Violence Unit at the District Attorney’s office, said that it's important that public becomes aware about domestic violence.

"It's the awareness, it's the education out there making sure people have resources that if we need to be safety planning with victims if they're in fear of their own safety then we can get that information out to people," said Howe.

At an event that was previously scheduled on Monday, the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Organization, along with advocates and city and county leaders, walked in silence around the state Capitol. They were raising awareness and remembering the 67 women, men and children killed in domestic abuse death across the region in 2006 and 2007. The marchers presented purple ribbons and flags represent the victims.

"Domestic violence hits across our society. It doesn't hit any community harder than the other and so it's a tragedy wherever it happens," said Anderson.

Activists said leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and often deadly for many victims of abuse.

"So when people say, 'Why doesn't she just leave?' She's not going to leave because there's a lot risk factors for her so what we need to do is provide the information and get the right time for the victim to leave," said Howe.

Two funeral services will be held in Madison for the couple. Centro Hispano officials said that Viviana Tellez-Giron's body will be transported back to Mexico.

Services for Salvador Tellez-Giron will be held on Wednesday at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., in Madison. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, friends of the family are invited to a reception on the lower level of the church.

This is the second killing allegedly involving domestic violence in Madison this year, WISC-TV reported.

Officials said that for more information about domestic violence, people can contact the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services hotline at 608-251-4445.