National Missing Persons Week 2023 has commenced with a focus on two crucial aspects of the missing persons' issue in Australia: the increasing number of missing persons and the challenges posed by unidentified bodies and human remains. 

Last year, over 55,000 Australians were reported missing, representing a staggering 35 per cent increase over the past three years. This year, State Crime Command’s Missing Persons Registry has received 42 reports, and 20 confirmed reports of unidentified bodies and human remains found in NSW.

Of those 20 confirmed reports, the Missing Persons Registry has successfully identified nine of those people through varying investigative techniques, including advancements in the science of DNA.

Five were found to be medical specimens used for science and training, and six remain the subject of ongoing investigations.

Those six unidentified remains were found in various parts of the state: from Kiama to Moree and Byron Bay.

Of these, nine individuals have been successfully identified through advances in DNA technology, including Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), a method that utilises commercial DNA databases to trace suspects and unknown remains.

While most missing individuals are fortunately found within a week, a concerning one to two per cent go on to become long-term missing persons, leaving their families and friends grappling with ambiguous loss for extended periods beyond three months.

Ambiguous loss, a concept explored in an Ambiguous Loss Masterclass led by Dr. Sarah Wayland, Associate Professor at the University of New England, highlights the uncertainty and emotional impact experienced by families of missing people. 

The masterclass aims to provide valuable insights and support to police officers, search and rescue organisations, counsellors, and the media in understanding and managing the effects of this enigmatic grief.

For every missing person, at least 12 others are directly impacted, emphasising the widespread reverberations that accompany each disappearance. However, despite the growing demand for assistance, there are currently no funded services in Australia dedicated to providing support for those affected by the absence of a loved one.

National Missing Persons Week, running from 30 July to 5 August 2023, aims to raise awareness for the thousands of Australians who go missing each year.

While the majority are located within the first 48 hours, some cases extend to long-term disappearances, making it crucial to continue educating the community on this issue.

One of the challenges faced during the search for missing persons is the existence of unidentified bodies and human remains. 

Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim, Manager of the Missing Persons Registry, emphasises the pivotal role modern technology, particularly DNA analysis, plays in locating missing individuals and identifying unidentified remains.

Active map on police website of missing persons reports

“This year for Missing Persons Week we’re making a call to action for members of the public to come forward and help us solve some of these mysteries through voluntarily providing their DNA,” Detective Inspector Sim said.

“There’s two ways people can provide their DNA – the first and foremost way is if you have a distant relative believed to be missing, you can come into any police station, cite their name or case number, and provide a DNA sample which will be placed on the National DNA Database used to compare with unidentified human remains.

“The second is if you’re a member of the public who wants to share their DNA for the purpose of helping the Missing Persons Registry identify bodies and human remains, you can supply your DNA through most public DNA databases such as GEDmatch or Family Tree DNA.

“There’s a misconception around providing DNA to police – that it could be used against you for criminal matters, and that’s just not the case.

“Missing persons investigations are not criminal investigations – our one goal is to ultimately identify these remains and provide families and loved ones of missing people the answers they deserve.

“Throughout the week we’re going to be shining a light on some various outstanding unidentified remains and asking you, are you the missing link?”

He urges members of the public to actively participate in solving these mysteries by voluntarily providing their DNA. https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/ The DNA samples will be used to compare with unidentified human remains, and privacy concerns should not deter anyone from contributing as missing persons investigations are not criminal investigations.

In addressing the practical and emotional toll on families searching for missing loved ones, the Missed Foundation (formerly known as the Missing Persons Advocacy Network, or MPAN) was established in 2013. 

This registered Australian charity strives to raise awareness for missing persons, offer emotional and practical support to affected families and friends, and humanise missing loved ones through creative initiatives. 

Missed relies solely on community donations and fundraising and plays a vital role in supporting those actively searching for their missing loved ones.

As National Missing Persons Week unfolds, it serves as a reminder that each missing person has a story, and their families deserve answers and closure.

By working together to support families affected by ambiguous loss and assisting in the identification of unidentified remains, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by this heartbreaking issue.

If this affects you or for further information or assistance, please contact the Missed Foundation.

If you have any information that could aid investigations, please reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.