Make sure that your wife can operate the slide of a pistol.
I have a .380 Bodyguard here I'll let go for $200 Box, case and all that... (shot less than 20 times). But with that being said and I know how important it is to "have the right weapon" A Ruger LCP in .380, or 9MM may be a better option. As said above, the trigger on the Bodyguard is something to get used to.... I find the .380 LCP is a very easy gun to carry and operate. Just my 2 cents...
If your interested, we can meet up and she can shoot both the Bodyguard and then my LCP, but I know deep down which direction you would travel... (Not the best picture. but its new...)