BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Concerns are growing about elder abuse in South Central Texas.

“It’s a very serious problem,” said Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai.

Local politicians like Sakai said Bexar County is at the top of the list for reported cases of this crime, so they are looking for a solution and hoping for a new federal grant to help pay for it.

“This is something we desperately need,” said Veronica Vasquez, judge of Bexar County Probate Court 2. “This (issue) is becoming more and more prominent, more and more personal to people.”

Elder abuse generally refers to an intentional or negligent act of harm to an older person by another person. It can be physical, financial or psychological abuse. Because each case is different, it can be difficult to track. And sometimes, Vasquez said, these cases aren’t tracked at all.

“These crimes often go unreported,” Vasquez said.

To help, the county is currently applying for a federal grant under the Violence Against Women Act. Sakai said it would create a one-stop shop for addressing elder abuse in Bexar County.

“We need to make sure we provide comprehensive care to these victims,” Sakai said.

The grant would provide Bexar County with $800,000 over four years to establish the Senior Justice Assessment Center program, which the county says will target older women.

“It’s about a holistic approach to the victim, and that’s what we need,” Vasquez said.

This grant is still in its early stages, but Sakai said it is a big step toward addressing the problems associated with elder abuse.

“Bexar County is all in,” Sakai said. “We are all in on fighting elder abuse, taking action against it and giving victims dignity and respect.”

KSAT held a town hall meeting on elder abuse in June. The video can be viewed here. If you need help, call the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400.