Little Fish
A true-story-based novel about teenage dating violence, exploring the subtle dynamics that make abuse difficult to see — and even harder to leave.
Ten years after escaping my abuser, I wrote Little Fish, based on the abusive relationship I was in from seventeen to twenty-two.
It was written with intention: to help young women recognize early warning signs before becoming entangled in abusive dynamics, and to offer clarity and courage to those already searching for a way out. What began as a deeply personal account became a platform for education, awareness, and prevention-focused outreach.
Little Fish does not sensationalize abuse. It exposes the quiet mechanics of coercion — the normalization, the isolation, the erosion of self-trust, and the strict planning and fear that so often accompany leaving. It examines how abusers are enabled, how shame silences families and how internal narratives can keep someone tethered long after visible harm fades.
The novel now anchors my advocacy work and serves as the framework behind DV Out Loud.
How Little Fish is Used Today
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Teen outreach and prevention education
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Therapeutic coursework for clinicians
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Book clubs and community discussions
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Resource for families seeking understanding
Purchase Options
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School administrators and educators exploring DV Out Loud programming may request a digital review copy of Little Fish.