1.In the 1950's 27% of women age 18 were having sex, by the 80's 56% were having sex and the numbers are still on the rise. I think that as a society and as a nation we are becoming more lenient with the youth. We are finding different things more acceptable at a young age. Making kids feel more mature when they are still very young. As the statistic shows below the numbers are actually decreasing, I think faced with the responsibility some are faced with they have learned to make some better choices and be safer.



In 2005, 47 percent of high school students -- 6.7 million -- reported having had sexual intercourse, down from 54 percent in 1991.

-http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20070713/ai_n19375085





2.Gerald is faced with many choices and responsibilities

Chapter 7 Response

A couple months ago I lost my great Aunt Vera. My aunt was pretty close to me and my family. Growing up my family didn't have alot of money. My memories of her go back to the days when she would invite us down and we would all go out to dinner. We went to some really beautiful places and even the all you can eat chinese buffets. We would spend the day together. My aunt was a very funny person, she was just one of those kind of people that could put a smile on your face and would never take no for an answer. She was strong and would stand up for the little guy. She was the kindest person I ever met and I think there was a special place in heaven for her.
I can compare my aunt and his aunt by there persona, the person they were. They both were very strong people and loved to help. They were so close to there family that they would do anything for them They both were also very strong people that didn't take no for an answer and would never settle for second best when it came to family.

-1/3 of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children

-Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely develop drug addictions

-80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder)

-Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs

-Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime.

http://www.childhelp.org/resources/learning-center/statistics These statistics are compiled from the National Institute on Drug Abuse 2000 Report & Child Abuse & Neglect Study by Arthur Becker-Weidman PhD