Every year, more than 38,000 Australians go missing. Of this 38,000, around half (44%) are found within the next 48 hours. However, of the remaining missing persons, 1600 often remain long term missing persons.
This is 1600 people too many, and we at Down Under Investigations want to help reduce this number.
But how do you ensure people don’t go missing? How can you help? Well, we have a few tips on how to ensure that your loved ones don’t go missing.
There are two reasons why a person goes missing.
The first, is because of choice.
Contrary to popular belief, many people actually choose to go missing. It can be because of suicidal thoughts, due to Alzheimer’s disease or even absconding. Many people feel as though the world will be better without them, so they take it upon themselves to remove themselves from the society they live in.
This is because some people are not receiving the proper assistance they need in their current situation. So if someone in your world needs assistance in any of these areas, ensure that they do, before they go missing. You might prevent them ever even considering running away.
The second reason as to why someone could go missing, is because they have no choice.
Many people that go missing are victims of crime, violence and mishaps, and believe that this is the only way to escape. This again comes from a feeling of being unable to speak up. So, if you know someone who is a victim of crime, be their voice. Help them get into contact with the correct authorities, and help them through their time of need, because you might prevent them running away.
Many people result to running away because they feel as though they can’t talk about it.
So in order to look after your loved ones and assist in the never going missing, talk to them. Listen to them. Help them in any and every way you possibly can before it’s too late.
Let’s start conversations, help our loved ones, and reduce the number of people going missing.
If you, or anyone you know is missing, please contact the police on 000 as your first point of call.