United States Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson (left), sits next to motivational speaker, Lorna Owens and managing director of Freight Handlers, Denise Lyn-Fatt, at the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) International Women's Day luncheon held yesterday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Motivational speaker and author, Lorna Owens, is pleading with women to trust their instincts as a tool in preventing domestic violence.

Ms. Owens, who was guest speaker yesterday at The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) International Women's Day luncheon said she was alarmed that since 2007, at least two women have lost their lives to domestic violence.

"The first time he calls you a derogatory name, that should be a sign," said Ms. Owens.

After the function, Ms. Owens told The Gleaner that women should pick up the warning signs of domestic abuse from during the courtship phase of a relationship.

"Women should know that they need someone to complement them and not to supplement them," she said.

Motivational speaker

Ms. Owens, who is Jamaican by birth, migrated to the United States and has undergone transformational changes herself. The former registered nurse, entertainment businesswoman and lawyer, now travels the world as a motivational speaker.

Ms. Owens told the gathering, which consisted mostly of professional women, that success comes with following their guts.

With the theme, 'Every Day Grace, Every Day Miracle', Ms. Owens told her listeners that there was a voice inside everyone which should be followed.

"There has to be a feeling in your belly that everything is going to be all right. Follow that feeling and listen to the voice that says, "will you continue no matter what," said Ms. Owens.

She also implored women to seek help from friends and loved ones when in need.

"Not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strong. A lot of times people will help us only if we ask," she advised.

The luncheon, which marked International Women's Day being celebrated today, was the first of AMCHAM's special speaker's forum for 2007.

See related International Women's Day messages on News Section