I would not go the .380 route for several reasons...some already stated and others that are not. Ammo is harder to find and usually much more than 9mm. The guns are much smaller which is sometimes an asset to an experienced shooter but not a new shooter. They are also not so easy to shoot well either. Just like a J frame......

Newton's Law of Physics comes into play with recoil...for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.

Were I you.... I would introduce a good .22 first and then move to a K frame revolver 4" barrel with very mild target load...the 148 wadcutter loaded very lightly would be next.

After that then start looking for a high quality used firearm that fits her hand well and then move on to a suitable gun for HER.

Welcome to fixing what I call the " Bubba" complex.........but then you most likely know all of this anyway..

Let us know how it all turns out!

Randy