Mohave Daily News: Local

BULLHEAD CITY - They arrived timid and shy, but with a day of pampering and fun, many domestic violence victims walked away confident about their future after the Colorado River Women's Council's Women Helping Women event on Saturday, said event co-chair Hali Rogers.

About a dozen women were treated to a continental breakfast, raffles, manicures, makeovers, new hairstyles and massages from local sponsors and volunteers who aimed to boost the women's self-esteem. The women - many who'd recently left abusive relationships - also listened to guest speakers on abuse, confidence, interviewing and nutrition in talks designed to guide them toward a new beginning.

They all received vouchers to the Salvation Army, suitcases and shoes donated from Sweet Feet and a “shopping trip” where they chose from an array of donated cosmetics.

Each got a basket filled with fruit and flowers, and a chance at a drawing to win prizes like purses and gift sets of bath products.

“You can see their confidence building up after they got their hair cut and make-up done,” Rogers said.

“We just want to show these women that no matter where they came from or what they came out of, they don't have to stay there.

“They can be a positive role model, especially because they've been there, and they can be somebody.”

The speakers touched some women's nerves, and one broke out in tears until she was comforted by another survivor with a box of tissues. One speaker, and abuse survivor, spoke to the group about how to overcome abuse and regain their confidence.

A nutritionist handed out booklets with healthy recipes and spoke on the dangers of emotional eating, while another sang a rendition of “No Matter What, Woman!”

“It hit a lot of soft spots, more than I expected,” one participant said. “It's been wonderful for me. Mainly, in my life, I haven't met many people and come out of my box and met any other people who've been abused. Now, I know I'm not alone in the fact I've been abused, and we're okay. We can be OK.”

The woman said that seeing the speakers - some who've survived similar abuse and gone on to become successful in the community - has given her the confidence to reassess her life and realize she, too, can overcome her past.

“Before I thought I had no future, and coming here today they made such an impression on me,” she said. “I know I can get out of it and have a career.”