Julie Owens: From Survivor to Advocate in Domestic Violence
Nobody, a victim shouldn't have to do anything. So I don't want to tell anybody what to do.
Julie Owens' journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode of Flip Your Lid with Kim Honeycutt, Julie opens up about her harrowing experience of surviving a domestic violence kidnapping and stabbing in 1988. But her story doesn't end there. Instead of letting trauma define her, Julie turned her pain into purpose, developing numerous domestic violence programs, including hospital and counselor training, an ER crisis team, and a faith-based shelter.
Her efforts are even documented in 'Broken Vows: Religious Perspectives on Domestic Violence'. Julie’s expertise is vast. She has directed domestic violence trauma research at the National Center for PTSD, coordinated efforts within mental health authorities, and counseled substance-using survivors. Her advocacy has taken her to national and global platforms, training employees of governments and businesses like the Bank of America. Julie's work focuses on survivor-centered and trauma-informed victim advocacy, both in secular and faith-based settings.
Throughout the episode, Julie and Kim discuss the deep impact of domestic violence on survivors and the critical role of religion and forgiveness. They also tackle common misconceptions surrounding domestic violence and emphasize the importance of proper support and resources for survivors. Julie's narrative is a testament to resilience and the power of advocacy. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to be effective allies to survivors, understanding the importance of education and awareness in combating domestic violence.
Julie's story is not just one of survival but also of incredible strength and dedication to making a difference. Tune in to hear this compelling episode that sheds light on the complexities of domestic violence and the path to healing.