DFPS hosts Crimes Against the Elderly Conference at EPCC

by Fallon Fischer

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) held its "14th annual Crimes Against the Elderly Conference” in El Paso on June 7, 2023, as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month. (KFOX14/CBS4)

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) held its "14th annual Crimes Against the Elderly Conference” in El Paso Wednesday as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

The event at El Paso Community College aimed to help educate the public about the importance of keeping vulnerable seniors safe from abuse and or neglect.

"More and more we're seeing seniors in our community reach the age of 65, that third stage in their life, but so many are being abused, neglected and exploited and they don't know what to do about it, so we thought we'd hold a conference, raise awareness," Adult Protective Services Community Engagement Specialist Grace Ortiz said.

Ortiz said more than 3,000 cases of elderly abuse, neglect and exploitation in the El Paso area in 2022.

"I don't even think it's the tip of the iceberg," said Ortiz.

Ortiz said people can help by checking in on seniors in their life or who live nearby.

To learn more about signs of abuse of elderly individuals or people with disabilities, click here.

If you or someone you know are in need of adult protective services or to report abuse or neglect of the elderly, call 1-800-252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month! It's a good reminder for all Texans to look out for and help older adults in our communities.

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DFPS hosts Crimes Against the Elderly Conference at EPCC