District 9 Councilwoman Highlights Progress in Elder Abuse Prevention

Published on November 17, 2025

District 9 Councilwoman Highlights Major Progress in Elder Abuse Prevention Efforts at Public Safety Committee

SAN ANTONIO (November 17, 2025) – Today, District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears reaffirmed a commitment to protecting San Antonio seniors as the City’s Elder Abuse Subcommittee presented key updates to the Public Safety Committee. The subcommittee, jointly led by the Councilwoman and Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez, outlined short-term and long-term strategies to strengthen the citywide response to elder abuse, fraud, and neglect. 

The Elder Abuse Subcommittee was established to identify opportunities to address public safety threats that uniquely affect older adults, including financial fraud, physical abuse, and exploitation. The group has worked closely with City departments, community partners, and law enforcement agencies to advance solutions rooted in prevention, education, and coordinated care. 

Key Short-Term Initiatives

The subcommittee is advancing a city-wide expansion of education and awareness efforts, including:

• Enhancing promotion of existing services for older adults, caregivers, and community stakeholders
• Expanding "Don’t Look Away" training to more City employees to increase recognition and reporting of suspected abuse, fraud, neglect, and exploitation
• Strengthening outreach through mass print and digital engagement, such as direct mail and billboard advertisement, and updating web resources that will host San Antonio Police Department public safety videos and information

These initiatives are led by the Department of Human Services in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department.

Long-Term Strategy: Report on the Status of Older Adults in San Antonio

The Councilwoman also highlighted progress toward commissioning the first Status of Older Adults in San Antonio report, a comprehensive study designed to identify service gaps and guide future policy recommendations. The assessment will include data analysis, best practice research, and community input through surveys and focus groups. The findings will help shape future initiatives across multiple Council committees and collaborating agencies.

Elder Fraud Prevention Event at Walker Ranch Senior Center

In addition to committee work, Councilwoman Spears is co-hosting an Elder Fraud Abuse Prevention community event on November 18 at Walker Ranch Senior Center, beginning promptly at 12:45 p.m., in partnership with Commissioner Grant Moody and Assistant District Attorney J. Hunter Morris of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office Elder Fraud Division.

The event will equip seniors and caregivers with practical tools to recognize common scams, understand fraud trends, and steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Participants will also receive guidance on reporting suspected fraud and accessing City and County resources.

The Councilwoman emphasized that education and collaboration remain some of the strongest tools to safeguard seniors:

“Our older adults deserve safety, dignity, and a city that fights for them," said the Councilwoman. “Elder fraud and abuse are growing threats, and we are meeting them head on through policy, community partnerships, and direct outreach. I am grateful to Commissioner Moody and Assistant District Attorney Morris for joining forces with District 9 to ensure our seniors have the knowledge and support they need."

Ongoing Commitment to Senior Safety

The District 9 office will continue advancing initiatives that protect seniors from financial exploitation, physical harm, and service gaps. The Elder Abuse Subcommittee will use upcoming data and stakeholder feedback to craft additional recommendations for City Council consideration.

For more information on elder-focused resources or upcoming outreach events, residents may contact the District 9 Office at (210) 207-0955 or email Council.District9@sanantonio.gov.