The Story of Abuse

In today's society sexual abuse has become the subject of great concern. Sexual abuse is defined as, "unwarranted sexual activity forced on a person by another through coercion or threats." (dictionary.com) Have you ever imagined being touched in a sexual way by a close relative or by someone that carried you in their womb for nine months? In the novel, "Push," by Sapphire; the main character Precious is a victim of sexual abuse throughout her adolescence years. The book enlightens, as well as exposes the sexual abuse in which a young teenage girl endured at the hands of her very own parents. During the teen's life, she experiences more hardships and complications than one's mind could possibly imagine. Throughout this novel, the young teenage girl, who is referred to by the name of Claireece Precious Jones, describes the mental and physical abuse she encountered with her parents. The events that took place in this book, was by far one of the most disturbing images anyone could think of. The sad part about situations such as these is that some young people endure it every day. The emotion scars she may have had could be life changing. This story will definitely leave you in total shock as well as compassion for Precious.

Sexual behaviors were a massive focal point during Precious' childhood years. Claireece Precious Jones is an obese, angry and illiterate sixteen year old teen; who has suffered horrific abuse at the hands of both her parents. She was forced to have sex with her parents or otherwise she would get beaten if she refused. Being under age and having nowhere else to go precious had to comply. "I was left back when I was twelve because I had a baby for my father (Push, 4)." Precious Jones is an invisible statistic within both the education and social service system. Precious Jones starts out life being raped by both of her parents, never knowing that her life had any value.

During Precious' teen years, she becomes pregnant with her father's second baby, which he abandons. I thought it was sad that not only did she not get pregnant by her boyfriend, acquaintance, or even a random stranger, but by her own father. I felted so remorseful for Precious, because of the issues she endured as a child. Precious did not have an average childhood life instead she suffered rape, STDs, and learning disorders. Despite all the complications her parents have done to her; she still had the desire to want to continue school, take care of her children, and live her own life. Precious was a struggling girl, who made a prosperous change in her life.

In today's culture, plenty of teens are going through sexual abuse and raped. When I finished, "Push", it touched my soul about how there are some teens out there in the world that develops a bad repeated pattern their whole childhood existence. I thought of Precious as a strong black young girl who desired