Celebrating strong women while drawing attention to domestic violence

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After shattering glass ceilings for women in sports, Ruthie Bolton is now using her strength to help victims of domestic violence--encouraging them to flex their muscles in the face of abuse.

"Hopefully my story and my pain will get women at some point and say you know if she did it, I can do it too," said Bolton.

For many years, Bolton was known for her physical progress, playing for the Sacramento Monarchs and taking home gold in two Olympic Games. But as her professional career soared, her marriage lay in shambles.

"Some physical but a lot of it was psychological and emotional, I didn't understand it, I thought domestic violence was just physical," said Bolton.

More than a thousand people attended Marjaree Mason's 34th annual event to raise money for the domestic violence shelter.

Executive Director Nicole Linder hopes Bolton empowers other victims to seek help.

"She's not what most people think a person who has been in a domestic violence relationship would be, she's tough, she's educated, she's mighty Ruthie, she breaks that stereotype," said Linder.

Abc30 own Graciela Moreno and Margot Kim emceed the event, which also honored ten local professional women and one business for their work in the community.

Bolton says it took her ten years to finally walk away.

"I just want this to be a story of victory that I've overcome, I've learned to forgive myself and forgive him," said Bolton.

Bolton says inspiring others is how she intends to recover.