Domestic violence is likely one of the most debilitating experiences a woman can go through.

Depending on the situation, domestic violence can wreck a woman’s self-esteem, professional life, financial situation, relationships with her friends and family, physical appearance and countless other aspects of her life. After she escapes the relationship, anything that can help her rebuild what has been destroyed will give her hope — possibly just enough hope to keep moving forward.

Angie’s House of Beauty on Portsmouth Boulevard recently helped some women who have recently escaped bad situations recover some of what they lost. Owner Angie Smith and several employees opened the salon on Monday, a day it’s normally closed, and invited clients of the YWCA’s Women in Crisis shelter to get free hairstyles, facials, makeup and other services to help them feel better about themselves.

One woman said she had a job interview the following day and was excited to get a professional hairdo so she can look her best. About a dozen clients in all participated in the program.

The idea came about because a staff member at the salon was a domestic violence victim herself and was helped by a similar program. She wanted to give back what was given to her.

In a world with so much evil and wrongdoing, good people can overshadow the bad ones by paying forward the good that was given to them. Smith and her staff should be commended for the work they did at Monday’s event.