Australian Federal Police

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty will today launch National Missing Persons Week in Canberra.

National Missing Persons Week 2007 runs from 5 to 11 August and the theme for this year is ‘How do you find someone when they struggle to find themselves?' This acknowledges that people with a mental illness or who experience mental health issues are a key group at risk of going missing.

Commissioner Keelty outlined the massive human toll missing persons had on families, friends and the broader community.

"For every missing person reported to police, at least 12 people are affected. For some, the impact on their lives goes on for years and sometimes for a lifetime," Commissioner Keelty said.

"When you consider that one person is reported missing to police in Australia every 18 minutes, you can begin to see why our work in recovering loved ones is essential. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in providing key pieces of information that may lead to the recovery of missing people." Commissioner Keelty said.

Mental Health Council of Australia CEO David Crosbie said mental illness can be the catalyst for a person to go missing.

"The Council and the AFP are working together to raise awareness of the link between mental illness and missing persons and looking at ways to address this crucial issue." Mr Crosbie said.

Police define a missing person as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown and where there are fears for the safety or welfare of that person.

If you think you have information on a missing person, or are interested in learning more about missing people and the agencies which help them, visit www.afp.gov.au/national/missing or freecall 1800 000 634