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Assaults against seniors in New York City have increased by six percent this year, according to the NYPD. The rise in attacks, including muggings and random punches, has raised concerns about the safety of the elderly. On Tuesday, a 68-year-old woman was shoved to the ground by a stranger near West 38th Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. She is expected to recover, but the incident highlights a troubling trend.
The NYPD has recorded 1,228 felony assaults against individuals aged 65 and over this year, doubling the number since 2019. According to the New York Post, the police have made arrests in 78% of these cases. Despite these efforts, many seniors feel unsafe, with some hiring aides for protection.
The increase in assaults against seniors comes amid a broader rise in felony assaults, which have surged by 45% since 2017. Hoodline reports that the social upheaval from the pandemic may have contributed to this trend, eroding trust and social cohesion.
Experts, including Chris Herrmann, a former NYPD criminologist, suggest public awareness campaigns and group activities for seniors to enhance safety. Herrmann advises seniors to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. The NYPD emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort across the criminal justice system to address the issue.
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