The 16th annual Shalia’s Mother’s Day Spa Party in Newark Saturday offered services to local mothers impacted by domestic violence.

Organizer Shalia Scott said the event is a tribute to the women who were able to walk away from abuse like she did.

Scott has been a well-known voice on the air waves for years as a radio host. She is also a mother. For 16 years, Shaila's Mother's Day Spa Party has helped to uplift and encourage other domestic violence survivors.

Shaila's Mother's Day Spa Party was back this year after the COVID-19 pandemic paused it, just in time to pamper some deserving women, some of whom survived domestic violence.

"We provide massages, manicures, makeovers, they get a photoshoot and by the time they leave here, they're like a top model," Scott said.

Shaila's Mother's Day Spa Party was born from Scott's own experience with domestic violence. The event invites women from local shelters to participate, treating them from the outside in.

"They're already coming in down so this was something to lift them up, getting makeovers, getting manicures, it was just uplifting for the women," said Michelle Washington, of Isaiah House.

"There's nothing like bringing smiles to their faces. You never know what someone was going through. They cry in your chair, it's emotional, but it really feels good when they're loved," said makeup artist Karen Dupiche.

According to data collected by the state, police in New Jersey reported over 63,000 domestic violence offenses in 2020. The report continues say that only a small portion of domestic violence victims report their victimization to law enforcement, so the numbers are likely higher.

"Anytime you have the resources or opportunity to come out of a situation, to reach back, is your duty," said attendee Sharlene Sawyer.

"When I think about leaving, opening the door is very dark, so you have to stay where you are because you're familiar and nobody should be familiar with fear, and I stepped out on faith and I promised if I ever had a platform, I'd make sure that nobody would get comfortable in the darkness," Scott said.

Every ticket bought for the event also helped pay for a woman from a local shelter to get spa services.