June is elder abuse awareness month in Imperial

Area Agency on Aging says elder abuse cases may go unreported - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial County brings awareness this month to elder abuse even though it won't be able to hold any in-person events due to the pandemic.

COVID-19 was especially difficult for elders, causing them to be isolated and lonely. 

According to the Area Agency on Aging (AAA)in Imperial County, this has likely has caused an uptick in unreported cases of elderly abuse.

Sarah Enz with AAAin Imperial County urges residents who witness something out of the ordinary to report it. 

“I think bringing this awareness to people will increase their awareness on if they see something they should do something they should report it," she said.

On average, Imperial County law enforcement respond to five elder abuse calls every month. However, not all result in arrests.