Casefile True Crime partners with Missing Persons Advocacy Network on What’s Missing podcast series
Global podcast series Casefile True Crime has partnered with the Missing Persons Advocacy Network on a ten-episode series What’s Missing for National Missing Persons Week.
The announcement:
The wide-reaching and devastating impacts of ambiguous loss on families of long-term missing people are explored in a first-of-its-kind podcast to be released on Friday 31 July by Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN) in partnership with global podcast sensation Casefile True Crime.
The first of ten episodes in the series, What’s Missing, will be available on Friday in recognition of National Missing Persons Week (NMPW), which runs from Sunday 2 August to Saturday 8 August 2020.
Unlike other open-case podcasts, What’s Missing will provide a voice for family and friends of missing loved ones, broadening the narrative beyond the factual details of the disappearance and search.
Loren O’Keeffe, Founder and CEO of MPAN, conducts intimate and candid interviews with the family members of eight high profile missing loved ones to explore the harrowing experiences of those left behind.
“Cases of missing persons usually focus on the vital stats – height, DOB, and date last seen – which can dehumanise them, causing distress for their families.
“This will be the first podcast that really humanises long term missing Australians, while discussing what it’s actually like for families that are left to manage the endless practical obstacles and psychological torment,” says Loren.
The first and second episode will be available on Friday 31 July and on Tuesday 4 August respectively and will feature the stories of two missing Australians: Nicola Sallese and Warren Meyer, with Paul Wright’s story released on Tuesday 11 August.
“Casefile Presents wanted to create a show that focused exclusively on missing persons,” says the anonymous host of the hit true crime podcast.
“We are proud to support this cause and raise awareness of the impact of ambiguous loss so MPAN can continue supporting these families.”
Having lived experience following the disappearance of her brother in 2011, Loren brings a personal understanding to help tell the stories of missing persons and the unique challenges faced by their loved ones.
“This type of loss lacks closure for families, and – for that reason – it is rarely openly acknowledged or understood by the wider community.”
According to MPAN, awareness of ambiguous loss in Australia is low, as is the need for increased specialised counselling to treat those who have been affected.
“There are thousands of Australians whose grief hasn’t been properly recognised or adequately supported,” says Loren.
“Unlike traditional bereavement, where the loss is clear, it doesn’t get easier over time. It gets harder. It’s a continual loss that requires ongoing support.”
MPAN is the only charity of its kind in Australia advocating for those still missing, who do not have a voice, and the family and friends who struggle with the unending not-knowing.
The first episode of What’s Missing will be released today to coincide with Australia’s NMPW 2020 which runs from Sunday 2 August to Saturday 8 August, with episodes released on Friday 31 July, Tuesday 4 August and then every Tuesday thereafter.
What’s Missing will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Source: Senate SHJ media release
