BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – The concern about elder abuse in South Central Texas is on the rise.

“It is a very serious problem,” remarked Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai.

Local leaders, including Sakai, have expressed that Bexar County is amongst the regions with the highest reported cases of elder abuse. This has prompted them to seek a solution and explore new federal grants for financial aid.

“This is something that we desperately need,” said Veronica Vasquez, the Bexar County Probate Court 2 judge. “This issue is becoming more evident, personal, and alarming to people.”

Elder abuse is often characterized as an intentional or neglectful act that results in harm to an older adult by another person, encompassing physical, financial, or psychological abuse. Due to the unique nature of each case, they can be challenging to track, with some cases going completely unreported.

“These crimes often go unnoticed,” Vasquez added.

To combat this issue, the county is advancing an application for a federal grant under the Violence Against Women Act. Sakai mentioned that this initiative aims to establish a centralized hub for addressing elder abuse in Bexar County.

“We must ensure we provide comprehensive services for these victims,” Sakai stressed.

This grant would allocate $800,000 to Bexar County over four years to launch the Senior Justice Assessment Center program, focusing on older adult women.

“It’s a holistic approach to the victim, which is essential,” Vasquez added.

While still in its early phases, this grant represents a significant stride in addressing concerns regarding elder abuse.

“Bexar County is fully committed,” Sakai affirmed. “We are dedicated to combating elder abuse, taking action, and granting dignity and respect to these victims.”

KSAT organized a town hall meeting in June addressing elder abuse. For assistance, individuals can contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400.