IBERIA PARISH, La. ( KLFY )– Families in Iberia Parish who have lost loved ones rallied together Thursday evening. New Iberia Freddie Decourt also declared the week of April 21 as “Crime Victims’ Rights Week” at the 19th Annual Voice for Victims rally.

Dozens of people from all walks of life, all touched by violent crime in different ways, whether it be murder or drunk drivers, gathered underneath the Steamboat Warehouse Pavilion to honor the people that they have lost.

“My son was murdered in 2004. He was robbed and shot from behind,” Effie James said.

“Derek Joseph was killed in 2012 while he was at college helping a classmate change a flat tire. A guy came out and shot him,” Alma Olivier shared.

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“My son, Robert Chillis Junior, was murdered in 2014 at home. We got justice. It took 7 years, but we thank god for the justice,” Evelynn Chillis added.

Numerous frames were filled with photos of loved ones, lost to violent crime. The families, all with different stories, came together as one at the Voices rally.

“I lost my child in 2018 due to a violent act. We’re here to support everyone who is grieving over a family member,” Marlarie Johnson told News 10.

The Voices support group was started by Catalene Theriot after her son, Dean, was murdered in 1994.

“So after that, I started working with victims, and I’ve been working with victims ever since,” Theriot said.

Her mission is to help others grieving.

“The support group is awesome. It helps healing for all what we’ve been through. Then you realize, you’re not by yourself. There are so many others,” James added.

“Crime is up at such an alarming rate, so we just want to make sure everyone knows we’re here if they need us. Hopefully they won’t need us, but we’re here if they do,” Theriot said.

In a touching ending to the Voices rally, each family who lost someone received a live butterfly. After speaking the names of those lost, the butterflies were released into the sky in their honor.

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