Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 11:10:15 EDT It is being reported that the one positive aspect coming out of the O. J. Simpson case is a greater public awareness of that "hidden public crime" of domestic violence. Family Crisis phone lines are reporting a 50 per cent or greater increase in calls -- callers include women, men and children asking for help. It is good to see this happening for the straight population. But what positive changes are also taking place for the gay/lesbian/bisexual population that are victims of domestic violence? Are the g/l/b crisis phone lines also receiving more calls of concern for the domestic violence crimes in which they are involved? I am assuming that such violence has no barriers and our gay community is certainly no exception. What can we do to help our fellow brothers and sisters when we know they are in such a situation? I don't see this ever covered as much as it is in the straight population and I fear it is pushed into the "closet" even more so than in the straight community. During all the celebrations we are holding this month displaying our Gay Pride, we mustn't forget this very important concern for the g/l/b members of our community suffering in silence from gay domestic violence. Barry Scott