invited the public to call in with their concerns.

Task force chairman Mr. Saul Froomkin said yesterday his committee wanted to hear from members of the private and public sectors.

"We're looking into the whole subject,'' he said. "We are looking at physical abuse, sexual abuse, and mental. We want to look at the incidence of abuse, how high the rate is, and how we are dealing with it. We want to know the facts.'' The task force wants parents of abused children, perpetrators of abuse who are/were looking for help, victims of abuse and anyone who has been associated in some way with the problem to share their concerns.

"We are interested in getting information about the community's views on abuse. We are seeking the widest possible participation in regard to this extremely important issue,'' Mr. Froomkin said.

He added that the committee needed to carry out its task with sensitivity, professionalism and the utmost confidentiality. Private interviews with the task force, he said, could be scheduled.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children will be making their first presentation to the committee this Thursday at 7.30 p.m. at the Cathedral Hall.

Arrangements to speak to the committee can be made by calling 296-0666 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.