In response to recent assaults on the elderly, city and borough officials are making a greater effort at underscoring the litany of resources and safety tips for seniors.

“We know that in recent weeks here in the Bronx, in the city of New York, in the media we have seen horrific, horrific examples of abuse, of violence, of assaults, harassment towards our senior population. And what we are here to say is,” said Bronx Borough President Rueben Diaz Jr. at a news conference, “We are here for you. We are here to help you.”

Diaz mentioned a specific incident in late January where Gerald McMillan, a 64-year-old man, had his jaw broken while taking out his trash in Morrisania. In March, a 78-year-old woman was kicked in the face by a young man on the northbound 2 train. Diaz also stated that his own mother is afraid to go outside after dark, showing that many seniors are affected by the attacks.

“We are talking about a rape where a young man proudly says, ‘I enjoy raping older women,’” NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez said, appalled.

Despite an elder abuse task force being in place for over twenty years, attacks are still occurring, the nature of them becoming more violent. “We don’t know what the causes are, but we do know it’s getting stranger and more violent,” Cortes-Vazquez told the Norwood News.

In the Bronx, there are approximately 168,000 senior citizens. According to Daniel Reingold, President and CEO of the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, one out of every ten people over the age of sixty-five are victims of abuse, making elder abuse more rampant than domestic abuse.

At the conference, several programs and tips were provided for senior citizens to help them feel safe. Neighborhood SHOPP (Self Help by Older Persons Project) has a Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, and Deputy Inspector Jessica Corey presented tips like how to properly carry a bag and to minimize what you carry. It was also mentioned that seniors can call 311 to reach an elderly abuse resource center.

The Bronx District Attorney office also is fighting against elder abuse through its Economic Crimes Unit, which investigates embezzlement cases of seniors.

But it’s not just the elderly’s responsibility to look out for themselves. “I think everyone in the community has a responsibility,” Cortes-Vazquez said to the Norwood News. “Be attentive. Don’t stand idly by.”

Diaz suggested increasing the penalties for elder abuse. He also had a message for all of the “cowards” that abuse the elderly. “The NYPD is gonna get you,” he said.