A missing person is someone who has not been seen or heard from in a period of time, usually over 24 hours. They may have gone to somewhere they know is unsafe, or may be at risk of exploitation, or may be suffering from a mental health crisis.
People go missing in many different circumstances, often because of armed conflict or other situations of violence; natural disasters (e.g. the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2023 Turkiye-Syria earthquake); being forcibly recruited or incarcerated; emigration or displacement; and as a result of having been sold into slavery or other forms of unfree labour or have committed suicide. The disappearance of children, women or those with disabilities is particularly concerning, as they may be left behind or are unable to flee or make contact with relatives. The disappearance of people with mental health problems, poor coping skills or drug and alcohol misuse is also worrying.
It is very important to act quickly when a person goes missing, as evidence can deteriorate or be lost, witnesses can become unavailable, the risk to the missing person may increase and medical issues can worsen. People can contact their local police station to report someone as missing, or ask for help from the British Red Cross or Salvation Army, who offer family tracing services. Posters can be distributed in places where the missing person frequents or might be found, such as cafes, churches, hospitals and parks, with their name, photo and contact details.
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