In a recent Bexar County government meeting, officials discussed a proposed strategic framework aimed at assisting older adult women who are victims of crime, particularly focusing on elder abuse and exploitation. Presiding Judge Veronica Vasquez, co-chair of the Elder Abuse and Exploitation Task Force, highlighted alarming trends in elder abuse within the county, noting that Bexar County ranks second in Texas for the percentage of older adults and has seen a significant rise in validated cases of exploitation.

The meeting centered around the submission of a federal grant under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which seeks $800,000 over four years to establish a Senior Justice Assessment Center (SJAC) in Bexar County. This center would employ a multidisciplinary approach to address elder abuse cases, involving law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support for victims.

Judge Vasquez emphasized the need for a holistic approach, stating that the SJAC would not only focus on criminal justice but also on the underlying issues that lead to elder abuse, such as food insecurity and lack of social support. The initiative aims to create a network of services that can respond effectively to the complex needs of older victims.

Community stakeholders, including representatives from Adult Protective Services and local advocacy groups, expressed their support for the initiative, underscoring the importance of addressing elder abuse as a community issue. They highlighted the need for increased awareness and resources to combat the growing problem, particularly as Bexar County's numbers of reported elder abuse cases are concerningly high compared to its population size.

The meeting concluded with a motion to ratify the grant application and develop a strategic plan to assist older adult victims of crime, reflecting a collaborative commitment from various sectors of the community to protect and empower vulnerable populations.