LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – More than 1,300 adults age 65 and older were victims of abuse in Lubbock County in 2024-25, according to Texas Adult Protective Services.
County commissioners addressed the issue Monday, declaring June “Elder Abuse Awareness Month.”
Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish said the issue is typically underreported due to embarrassment, shame and fear. He said it affects men and women of all income and ability levels, all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and all communities.
Leaders from Lubbock’s Silver Star Board said the type of abuse can look different for everyone.
Abuse can be reported on the Texas APS hotline, which is available 24/7, or online through the Texas Abuse Hotline website. The Department of Family and Protective Services does not accept anonymous reports.
Crimes against children unit partnership formalized
County commissioners also formalized the county’s partnership with LPD’s Crimes Against Children unit Monday.
One sheriff’s office investigator will join seven members of the Lubbock Police Department. The unit will focus on missing and endangered children, abuse cases and child deaths for anyone 17 or younger.
“We just want to make sure our law enforcement agencies are working together to combat and to protect the most vulnerable in our community,” Parrish said.
Medical examiner services for Randall County
Lubbock County confirmed Monday it will provide pathology services for Randall County, south of Amarillo.
Commissioners approved an agreement that would let the Panhandle county send some of its autopsies and lab work to the new medical examiner’s office.
Parrish said the deal further supports the idea behind the facility, which is to better serve West Texas.
“We’re seeing now that West Texas are looking toward Lubbock for medical examiner services, that was one of the purposes in building this new facility, to have a place where these rural counties and counties can come to to bring their medical examining services,” Parrish said.
Voters approved funding for the county’s medical examiner’s office in 2023, ending years of outsourcing forensic and autopsy services to Tarrant County.
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