Henderson County declares June 2025 Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month

The Henderson County Commissioners Court convened on July 10, 2025, to address several important community issues, with a focus on elder abuse awareness. The meeting began with a prayer led by Eric Graham from Sand Springs Church, who emphasized the need for wisdom and protection for local leaders and peace officers.

One of the key actions taken during the meeting was the unanimous proclamation of June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. This initiative aims to highlight the significant issue of elder abuse, which affects thousands of older adults and individuals with disabilities across Texas. A representative from the Texas Department of Adult Protective Services presented the proclamation, noting that there were over 123,000 reported cases of abuse in the state as of February 2024. The proclamation underscored the importance of community involvement in preventing and addressing elder abuse, which often goes unreported due to stigma and fear.

Commissioners expressed their gratitude to the representatives for their ongoing efforts and discussed the various forms of abuse, including financial exploitation, which is increasingly prevalent in the digital age. Commissioner Richardson raised concerns about the financial abuse of the elderly, prompting assurances from the representatives that such cases are investigated.

The meeting concluded with a call for community support in raising awareness about elder abuse, emphasizing that it is a collective responsibility to protect vulnerable populations. The commissioners' commitment to this cause reflects a broader societal need to address and prevent elder abuse, ensuring that older adults can live safely and with dignity in Henderson County.