For Inland agencies, same-sex domestic violence coming into focus

[Natasha]

For Inland agencies, same-sex domestic violence coming into focus

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_E_violence31.496aa11.html
Jessica Logan
8/30/2008

The number of domestic violence incidents reported in the gay and lesbian community skyrocketed over the past decade, bringing a new awareness and greater challenges to law enforcement, officials say.

The increase in reporting encourages law enforcement and those involved with the gay and lesbian community because they believe it proves officers and same-sex couples are more likely to recognize the problem.

"Same-sex relationship domestic violence calls are on the rise -- but they are not on the rise because that population is committing more of that crime," said Riverside police Sgt. Jaybee Brennan. "The crime has always been there."