The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its National Missing Persons Coordination Centre have launched an updated framework to assist police, counsellors, the media and others support people missing a loved one.
Acknowledging the Empty Space: A Framework to Enhance Support of People Left Behind When Someone is Missing was developed with the University of New England and public health researcher, Dr Sarah Wayland.
It provides an update to the 2007 edition, combining international research with practical advice to assist police, media and counsellors in supporting people who are missing a loved one.
AFP Assistant Commissioner, Debbie Platz said more than 38,000 missing person reports were made to police every year in Australia and while the majority were found safe and well, more than 2,600 remained missing long-term.
“All missing persons leave behind a network of people who must be supported,” Assistant Commissioner Platz said.
“The reasons for a person’s disappearance are many and varied but for each missing person there are family, friends, colleagues and a community left wondering what has become of someone they love.”
She said Dr Wayland’s updated framework provided an opportunity to support those left behind and to educate everyone involved including law enforcement, counsellors, media and the wider community.
The updated 30-page framework can be accessed at this PS News link.
