The Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN) welcomes the NSW Government's decision to increase cooperation between convicted murderers and the authorities to reveal locations of victims through the 'no body, no parole' laws.
We know through our work with families in situations like these, that a conviction is only the first component of achieving justice — the torment of ambiguous loss (the 'unending not knowing') continues to plague those left behind until their missing loved one is found, regardless of their fate.
They are still missing. Accordingly, it's imperative that our society and thus decision-makers recognise that true justice is only done when families are reunited with their loved one's remains, and they're able to lay them to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Helping families connect with their loved one's remains is a critical step to acknowledging the debilitating and profound impacts of ambiguous loss, and the importance of resolution for the families, friends and communities of missing Australians.
About us:
Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN)
MPAN is a registered Australian charity that creates awareness for missing persons and provides practical and emotional support to their families and friends. MPAN exists to alleviate the financial, administrative and psychological impact on those actively searching for a loved one.
MPAN's previous campaigns to raise awareness include Casefile's What's Missing podcast, The Unmissables coffee cup campaign, Missed Birthdays, and the Too Short Stories initiative. MPAN was established in 2013 by Loren O'Keeffe, whose brother Dan went missing in July 2011.
