photo by: Journal-World File Photo

The Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

Lawrence City Commission candidates will discuss housing – how it impacts everyone and how it is directly related to the risk of sexual violence.

The candidate forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 in the Dreher Family 4H Building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper Street. The event will be hosted by the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center, an organization providing 24/7 support to people affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.

According to a press release from the organization, studies have revealed that there are much higher rates of sexual abuse among homeless populations compared to the general population, and that sexual violence is both a cause and a consequence of housing instability.

The release added that key topics include housing affordability, new development, incentives and strategies for expanding housing options for all Lawrence residents.

The event will be moderated and facilitated by Zach Newby, a prevention education specialist for the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center.