Stephanie Thurrott
Stephanie Thurrott is a journalist and trained domestic violence advocate who has contributed more than 50 articles and counting for DomesticShelters.org covering topics that range from the costs of escaping abuse to ending revenge porn. In addition to this site, she also writes for NBC News Better, Taste of Home magazine, Stanford Health Care, Tufts University, and other print and online outlets.
Articles by Stephanie Thurrott
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When Survivors Believe They're Responsible for Ending Abuse
January 21, 2019 Some abusers convince survivors that abuse is their fault, and survivors take responsibility for everything | One way abusers control domestic viol... read more
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What Is Toxic Triangulation?
March 09, 2020 Abusers can turn a survivor’s friends, family and children against them through harmful fabrications | Some abusers use a tactic called toxic trian... read more
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Abusers Claim 'Parental Alienation' to Gain Custody of Kids
August 17, 2020 Some courts continue to ignore protective parents warning of abuse | Alleging parental alienation is a frightening tactic where one parent (usually... read more
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Kids Caught in the Crossfire
April 08, 2019 Abusers don’t just harm partners—kids are at risk of being abused, possibly killed | When children live in households where domestic violence occu... read more
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Survivor: Andrea
October 17, 2018 Mom of three finds reclaiming her life started with setting small goals | I can’t remember a time when violence and trauma weren’t part of my life.... read more
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Seeing Abusers as Manipulators, Con Artists
December 23, 2020 A psychologist says there is a way to “unmask” an abuser and possibly avoid them before getting trapped | Abusers can be manipulative. They can gas... read more
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Signals for Safety
September 17, 2018 How asking for “Angela” or ordering an “angel shot” can save you from dating violence | A creative plan from the UK designed to help people escape ... read more
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Should Shelter Locations Be Made Public?
September 14, 2020 Domestic violence shelters often keep their locations confidential. But some are public—and they have positive outcomes to report | When we think a... read more
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When All You Can Remember Are the Good Times
October 05, 2020 After abuse, it’s time to release the memories that make you feel guilty for walking away | Domestic violence survivors often have mixed feelings a... read more
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After Domestic Violence, Kids May Cope Through Outbursts
November 02, 2020 How to curb this behavior and help your child heal in a healthier way | Children who are exposed to domestic violence may mimic the behavior they’v... read more
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Did Your Doctor Ask About Domestic Violence?
April 22, 2019 The pros and cons of asking “Do you feel safe at home?" | The last time I had a mammogram, as the technician and I were finishing up, she aske... read more
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A Shelter Just for Senior Survivors
June 10, 2020 Director of the nation’s first elder abuse shelter talks about the unique challenges this demographic can face | Abuse is traumatic and devastating... read more
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Gratitude Journals May Help Anxiety, Promote Sleep
July 18, 2018 Be it on paper or in an app, being mindful of the positives can help you heal after abuse | It’s a simple act, but taking time to jot down the t... read more
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How to Call Your Lawmakers
January 28, 2019 You want to make a difference, but you’re not sure who to call or what to say. Relax. It’s easier than you think | When there’s an issue that you c... read more
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Tragedy as a Catalyst for Change
January 09, 2019 After her estranged husband killed their three daughters, Jessica Lenahan took her fight for human rights to the Supreme Court | In May 1999, Jessi... read more
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How Beauty Boosts Confidence
July 24, 2019 Helping survivors shine, one lipstick at a time | When Sheryl Kurland had a tough day growing up, her mom would always say, “Sheryl, just put on a ... read more
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The Fuzzy Line Between Anxiety and Depression
March 18, 2020 It’s not uncommon for people to experience both conditions. Here’s what you need to know | People often experience both anxiety and depression. In ... read more
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App Aims to End Revenge Porn
October 24, 2018 Consent from both parties is required before filming or viewing videos | Real talk: There are many people out there who like to capture their bodie... read more
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States Fighting to Keep Guns Away from Abusers
November 19, 2018 Stronger state laws help reduce domestic homicides | State gun safety laws have been shifting over the last several years, and domestic violence an... read more
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An Order of Protection Should Mean No Guns
January 18, 2021 Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would close a deadly loophole | The most dangerous time for a domestic violence survivor is ... read more
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When Your Partner Asks for an Open Relationship
April 15, 2020 Here’s how to differentiate innocuous requests from red flags for abuse | For many individuals, monogamy is the norm—one partner, one relationship ... read more
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How Workplaces Can Protect Domestic Violence Survivors
December 02, 2020 Here’s how you can help your employees, even if they’re working from home | Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are working from home, and for those... read more
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When Masculinity Is Toxic
September 04, 2019 Traits men learn as boys can be dangerous—to them, and to the women in their lives | We hear a lot about “toxic masculinity” these days—a term ofte... read more
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Can a Personal Alarm Protect You?
September 18, 2019 Maybe, and there’s more you can do to help keep yourself safe | If you’re living through domestic violence or recently escaped an abuser, you might... read more
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When Fighting Abuse Could Lead to Deportation
November 18, 2019 New laws may scare immigrant survivors into silence | Stricter laws around immigration are making domestic violence survivors who fear deportation ... read more
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Recording Phone Calls Can Help Prove Abuse
December 09, 2019 Here’s what you need to know about what’s legal and admissible | Proving nonphysical abuse in court is tricky for domestic violence survivor but on... read more
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When Domestic Abuse Happens in a Polygamous Relationship
January 22, 2020 Finding nonjudgemental support is a challenge for those in plural relationships | People in polygamous or polyamorous relationships—aka, having mor... read more
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Escaping Same-Sex Abuse During Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell
March 15, 2021 Navy Seaman Rusty Babcock risked losing his career when he left an abusive partner | For domestic violence survivors, escaping an abuser is almost ... read more
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My 2-Year-Old Daughter Was Murdered by Her Father
June 09, 2021 Warrior mom Jacqueline Franchetti is working to change the family court system and protect other children from the same fate | Jacqueline Franchett... read more
