Ok, if she isn't going to be using this as a gun to carry, just to keep at home and in the car, let's get something with a 4" barrel to give added accuracy and velocity. Snubbies are cool if you plan to pack concealed or something, but in this case I think the 4" model would be much better.
If she can handle a bit of recoil, I would go with a 686 Smith and Wesson with rubber grips. Use Federal 125 gr HP's as this is a very good self-defense load and kicks less than the heavier bullets. And the stainless finish is a little easier to care for.
If the .357 is a bit too much for her, then use of 38 special +p rounds in the 686 or the Smith and Wesson model 15 in 38 special would be a good choice. The 15 has adjustable sights and is a pretty nice revolver. Some SEAL's carried this revolver as their side arm in Nam. That's a pretty good endorsement in my opinion.