When Viola Cormier’s grandson was carjacked 11 years ago in Abbeville and eventually murdered in St. Martin Parish, the resulting pain and anguish were nearly too much to handle.

In time, Cormier sought comfort with those who suffered similar tragedies, helping form the victims’ support group VOICE, Voices Of Innocent Citizens Empowered, eight years ago.

VOICE celebrated its eight-year anniversary Wednesday evening with a social gathering on the third floor of the Iberia Parish Courthouse. Open to the public, VOICE organizers encourage anyone who is the victim of violence, related to a violence victim or simply interested in learning more about the group to attend their monthly meetings.

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For Cormier, VOICE not only offers a venue to a share like experiences but a chance to help others.

“When my grandson was killed, it was really difficult because I could see how my daughter was hurting,” she said. “Sometimes when I think life is heavy, I go to the meetings and meet all the others there that feel the exact same way. We become part of a community. You look forward to seeing them. I think the main thing that (VOICE) has done is give me a desire to change things. I would like our group to make a difference like the MADD mothers have done. We have tried to do that.”

Cormier said the group empowered her to be an active community participant, adding she routinely watches the Louisiana Legislature’s live proceedings on cable, often calling her state representative and senator when she wants her voice heard.

“I think VOICE’s benefit has been being able to reach out to others because you can feel their pain,” Cormier said. “Now we have people of all walks of life coming to our group. In fact, I spent (Tuesday) morning baking things. I saw a sign this week that said, ‘cookies fix everything.’ So, I made a bunch of cookies for the meeting.”

VOICE president Catalene Theriot said the group meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Iberia Parish Library main branch, except in June and July when they gather at the courthouse.

Theriot said meetings normally have a guest speaker, adding judges, D.A.s and defense lawyers have addressed the group in the past.

“We had people from the department of corrections come — a little bit of everything to do with the legal system,” she said.

Theriot, who also works for the district attorney’s office, said the group has been well attended over the years.

“Unfortunately, attendance has been good,” she said. “I say unfortunately because all of our people are victims of crime. We are a club that no one really should be a member of.”

Those who want more information about the group can call 369-5279 or 577-5088.