Mallory Owens, the woman who was beaten by her girlfriend's brother on Thanksgiving, says the second-degree assault charges launched against him should be upgraded to attempted murder.
As Owens left dinner at her girlfriend Ally Hawkins's home, she was brutally attacked by Travis Hawkins Jr., 18. He is currently out on bond.
Owens said in a statement Friday released by GLAAD that the event made for "one of the most traumatic days" she has ever experienced, and it wasn't the first time she's been attacked by him, as he has previously threatened to kill her.
"Since the attack, Travis Hawkins Jr. has been seen following my family and appearing at locations where they have gathered," she said. "He has threatened to finish me off. I believe as long as he is free on bond that my life continues to be in danger. Even beyond the physical harm, I am quite traumatized. I am afraid and I feel that I have been victimized repeatedly by the Hawkins family."
Previous statements from Owens declaring that the attack was not a hate crime seem to have been made under pressure. Owens said she did not request the media interviews conducted after the attack, nor was she aware that there would be press at Hawkins's home, where the interviews took place.
"I was brought back to the home by Ally Hawkins," Owens said. "I wanted to be in my own apartment. Mr. Hawkins Sr. insisted we give the interview and statements were made. I believe Mr. Hawkins Sr. is very manipulative, I believe he organized the family and orchestrated the media represenation to portray himself in a better light. I do not feel safe there. I was very uneasy and nervous while I was there. I was still very disoriented, weak, and intimidated."
Owens said that Ally Hawkins has attempted to clear her brother's name on Facebook posts and by releasing statements. Owens made it clear that Ally is not speaking for her.