The Imperial County Board of Supervisors have proclaimed June to be Elder and Dependent Abuse Awareness Month.

The proclamation was made during Tuesday's board meeting. According to the county, it is estimated that every year, 5 million older Americans are the victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts say that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported. The board encouraged the public to learn more about the services available for local older adults by visiting th Imperial County Area Agency of Aging's website at AAA24.org.