BEAUMONT, TX – Community leaders and advocates gathered at the Lakeside Center in Beaumont on Friday for the 14th Annual Adult Protective Services Walk-a-thon, kicking off Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
Addressing a Growing Local Crisis
The event, co-hosted by Jefferson County and Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS), aimed to educate the public on how to recognize and report the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors and adults with disabilities.
Organizers revealed startling local statistics to highlight the urgency of the issue. In Jefferson County alone, 1,500 cases of elder abuse were reported in 2025, with over 800 of those cases officially confirmed.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Advocates at the event emphasized that elder abuse often goes unreported because it can take many non-physical forms, including emotional abuse and financial exploitation.
Officials stressed that keeping seniors safe requires community-wide vigilance. Neighbors, family members, and caregivers are urged to look out for sudden changes in a senior’s behavior, unexplained financial transactions, or signs of neglect.
How to Report Suspected Abuse
The annual walk-a-thon serves as a reminder of the dedicated resources available to protect vulnerable adults throughout Southeast Texas.
Organizers are urging anyone who suspects a senior or an adult with a disability is being mistreated to take immediate action by calling the state’s Adult Protective Services hotline.
