photo by: Journal-World file photo

Pictured at right is Suzanne Valdez, Douglas County district attorney. At left is the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office began accepting applications on Monday from university students for a new education focused sex assault task force.

The newly created task force will help the DA’s office to improve sexual assault education and prevention efforts by recommending and implementing strategies in university communities, according to a release from the office. Two students will be selected from each area school including the University of Kansas, Haskell University, Baker University, as well as two additional “at large” students.

The office is currently accepting applications for the task force for the 2023-2024 school year and those who are selected for the task force will receive a $500 book stipend for their participation. Applicants must apply by April 30, according to the release.

“In a community where we have three universities, we need to acknowledge that sexual violence is not uncommon,” District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said. “And in recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, my hope is that creating this university task force will drive a culture change where sexual violence is not excused or normalized. Every person in our community has the right to live safely and securely.”

Interested parties can follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/2023USATF