Reach out! Make the connection this Christmas
Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, today urged today urged anyone who may be missing, to make contact with friends or family this Christmas.
"For most of us, Christmas is associated with families coming together to celebrate the holiday season," Senator Vanstone said.
"However the festive season can also exacerbate tensions and test even the strongest family alliances.
"Some missing people leave home after a family disagreement or fight with a friend. Others decide that they need more space and freedom from family rules and expectations. Families are left behind not knowing what has happened and without the opportunity to make amends.
"The missing people themselves are vulnerable away from their family network. While it's not a crime to go missing, it's important to let someone know that you are safe.
"Communication is the key to keeping our families connected and our children safe this Christmas. Let someone know where you are going and if you have a change of plans."
20,000 children are reported missing in Australia each year. 99.5% of them are located, most within hours. However one-third have gone missing more than once. The National Missing Persons Unit at the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence manages a missing kids web site (http://au.missingkids.com) as part of an international network focussing on missing children.
"This web site not only promotes details of children who are missing, it works to prevent kids from going missing in the first place. I encourage children and their parents to visit the web site during the holidays, to seek solutions to their problems, to prevent the heartache experienced when someone is missing."
Carol Kiernan, Manager of the NMPU said "If you have been out of contact with your family, chances are that you are really missed. You may not feel ready to make direct contact, but perhaps there is somebody within your family network who can pass on a message for you. Christmas is a time for families, for reaching out and reconnecting with family and friends, those missing with those left behind."