Given that our county has the second-highest percentage of residents 65 and older, the situation is only going to get more serious if we don’t act together as a community. As a state senator and probate judge, we encounter issues around potential elder abuse in a number of different ways across the city of San Antonio and Bexar County. That’s why we formed an elder abuse task force and are now advocating for a county justice center to focus on crimes against seniors.

Elder abuse can be physical or emotional. It can take the form of neglect and financial exploitation. These violations often come from those closest to the victims, who are left isolated and ashamed.  Although we see a high number of confirmed exploitation cases in Bexar County, we also know many instances of elder abuse go unreported and unresolved.

To help address this urgent, but often unseen crisis, we established in 2019 the Elder Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Task Force, bringing together key players such as local law enforcement, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General and Adult Protective Services. Our goal is to improve how elder abuse cases are managed by enhancing communication between agencies and educating the community to prevent exploitation.

The task force is seeking federal grant funding for a senior justice assessment center, which would be the first of its kind in Bexar County. It would offer a multidisciplinary approach by bringing together experts in criminal and civil prosecution, law enforcement, social services, geriatric care and forensic medicine. It would address the complex needs of elder victims through a coordinated response to abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would ensure each case receives comprehensive attention and support through team-based meetings and customized intervention plans.

In a pivotal step forward, the Bexar County Commissioner’s Court recently voted unanimously to ratify the submission of a grant application to the federal Office of Violence Against Women. If approved, this $800,000 grant will run from Oct. 1 through March 31, 2028.  It would be critical to delivering essential support for older women facing abuse.

The Elder Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Task Force has advocated for a dedicated elder abuse prosecutor and supported the passage of significant state legislation, including House Bill 1156 in 2021. This legislation introduced severe penalties on those convicted of financially exploiting older adults.

These initiatives aim to strengthen the legal framework for protecting older adults, enhance response systems for abuse cases and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Our older adults are a vital part of our community, deserving of the highest respect and protection. A dedicated center for elder abuse in Bexar County will help ensure their safety and well-being.

José Menéndez, a San Antonio Democrat, has served in the Texas Senate since 2015, representing District 26. Judge Veronica Vasquez oversees Probate Court 2 in Bexar County.