Owens, 23, was celebrating Thanksgiving at girlfriend Ally Hawkins' house when the latter's brother, Travis Hawkins Jr., 18, attacked her; he beat Owens so badly she had to have facial-reconstruction surgery. Owens' mother, Kristi Taylor, said, "He tried to kill her. He's lucky he didn't kill her. She's lucky to be alive."

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) was among the organizations calling for justice. In a statement, HRC President Chad Griffin said, "Violence against anyone—no matter what the motivation—is never acceptable. We call on both Alabama and federal law enforcement officials to thoroughly and swiftly investigate this crime to ensure Mallory's attacker is brought to justice."

Owens herself has said that she doesn't believe Travis attacked her because of her sexual orientation, the New York Daily News noted.

The Owens family has set up a fund to help defray medical expenses. Those who wish to contribute can either visit a Regions Bank branch or make a check out to "Benefit for Mallory N. Owens. The check should be sent to Regions Bank, Bank by Mail, P.O. Box 2527, Mobile, Ala., 36652.