May 11, 2016 - Kristine Redfield has suffered through every type of domestic violence – verbal, emotional, financial and physical, she said. But she hid it so well, through an abusive marriage that lasted 13 years.

“Looking back, I see where all the red flags went up” said Redfield, 47, of White Plains. “You don’t realize it at the time. It’s very gradual... They make you feel like you’re the one who’s crazy. But you’re not.”

Today Redfield is a survivor.

She credits the Westchester County Family Justice Center (FJC) for getting her to this point of empowerment, giving her the confidence, support and guidance to break free of the violence.

“The Family Justice Center gave me hope when I didn’t have any,” said Redfield, who has two children, ages 20 and 12. “The people there make you feel confident and safe. It’s a very scary time. You have to have that kind of support behind you.”

Redfield is not the only one to face such a struggle. On Tuesday, she was one of 50 women at the Westchester County Center, all survivors of domestic violence. What made the day extraordinary was that each of the women was treated to a special day of pampering at an event called the “Spa-tacular.”

Presented by the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) in partnership with County Executive Robert P. Astorino, the “Spa-tacular” transformed four ordinary conference rooms into a first-class spa retreat.

Women stepped into luxurious robes from The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester and enjoyed massages, make-up applications, facials and manicures, all while listening to soothing music and relaxing with scented aromas. Specialists donated their time and services, food was available throughout the day, and the women left with gift bags full of toiletries such as facial scrub, body wash, makeup and other daily essentials.

“I think this is the most I’ve smiled in two years,” Redfield said as she had her nails painted pink.

JLCW President Alison Messerle said hearing women say they feel empowered is inspiring.

“These women need to know there is a place to turn if they do decide to leave,” Messerle said, referring to the Family Justice Center. “They need to know there’s someone there that can help them; that there’s a place to turn, a place to go.”

The FJC is a safe place where victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking can get legal help with actions such as obtaining an Order of Protection, seeking custody and securing child support. Advocates also assist victims with making a safety plan, counseling, finding shelter, immigration services and accessing public assistance.

Astorino said that the county does everything it can to make sure victims of domestic violence are protected and treated fairly, adding that it is a “terrible ordeal that will be with them forever.” The FJC, however, is a place where all their needs can be met under one roof, in a safe, bilingual and confidential setting.

“Today we are giving back to the survivors who have had to endure these horrific ordeals,” Astorino said. “It’s a nice way to tell these women that they are not alone, that there are people who care about them, and that life can get better.”

The FJC is located at the Westchester County Court Complex, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 1-150 in White Plains. It is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free child care and Spanish-speaking staff available. Walk-ins are always welcome, no appointment necessary. All services are free and confidential. While most victims of domestic violence are women, men also suffer and can utilize this resource.

To learn more, please call (914) 995-3100 or visit women.westchestergov.com/family-justice-center.

“I want women to know we are there to offer hope and healing for all victims to make their journey a little easier,” said Darlene Reda, director of the FJC. “I think it’s important for victims to come forward and know it’s not their fault. I know he’ll tell you it is, but it’s not.”

Special thanks to all the vendors and individuals who generously donated to make this a special day, including: Samaya Lin, massage; Temperance Center; All-Sport Health & Fitness Club; Touche Moi Massage of New Rochelle; The Finger Lakes School of Massage, Mount Kisco; New York School of Esthetics; Allyson Wisel-Vogt, makeup; and Spa Party Sisters.