Stay Connected

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In 2016 the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre will focus on raising awareness of the impacts of missing persons within the community. Our key message 'Missing persons leave frayed edges, Stay connected' reminds us all of the importance of staying connected with family and friends and enhancing the support networks for those most at risk of going missing.

The impact of missing persons

Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background, may face the issue of someone they know becoming a missing person. The impact on families and friends, and the missing people themselves, can be both profound and multi-faceted. Commonly reported impacts on family and friends of missing persons include health consequences, time off from work, and financial costs associated with the search.

Impacts on families and friends

Most missing persons are reported to police by family. Research reveals that for every missing person reported, on average at least 12 other people are affected whether it is emotionally, physically, psychologically or financially. For families, not knowing what has happened to someone they love is devastating.

Impacts on missing persons

For the missing person themselves it is often difficult to find the support they require to address their situation. Research conducted in the UK found that “being labelled as missing was traumatic […] and the loss of control to talk about their experiences in a way that was meaningful for them added to the trauma.” Geographies of Missing Persons 2013

People who intentionally go missing often do so to escape or remove themselves from something that isn’t making them happy. These people are generally lacking the support they require to manage their situation and may feel that going missing is their only option. Improving community support is key to reducing the impacts on missing persons.

Impact on the community

Part of our mandate is to reduce the impact of missing persons on the Australian community. Awareness of the issue and enhancing community support mechanisms are key parts of our strategy.

To find out how you van get involved with National Missing Persons Week please see our calander of events.

Missing person from NSW Jaki-Lee Walsh

Jaki-Lee WALSH

Jaki-Lee Walsh, aged 22, was last seen by her boyfriend after dropping him to work on 14/04/1989. Jaki-Lee was seen driving in the Kiama area that day.  She has not made contact...

Missing Person Kerry Anne Joel

Kerry JOEL

On the 1st February 1980 Kerry Joel left her home in Caringbah, NSW and has not been seen by family and friends since then.

Kerry is believed to have met with her friend Elaine...

Bryan MILLIS

On 21 April 1996, Bryan set off on a flight from Bankstown Airport NSW to Flinders Island TAS. Bryan’s flight did not arrive at Flinders Island and it is believed the plane, a...

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