It’s nothing short of a nightmare: A loved one vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only questions and heartbreak. What most people don’t realize is that there are many common myths associated with missing people. So, to set the record straight, experts have addressed the most common myths about missing persons.
Waiting Period — The myth is that you must wait 24-48 hours before reporting someone missing. The fact is, there is no waiting period. You should report a person missing as soon as you become concerned for their well-being. Waiting can delay investigations and potentially put the missing person at greater risk.
Voluntary Disappearance — The myth is that most missing adults are voluntary runaways. The fact is, many adults go missing due to mental health issues, substance abuse, financial problems, or domestic violence, and some are victims of foul play. This misconception can lead to a lack of urgency in investigating the disappearance of adults.
The 7-Year Rule — The myth is that a missing person is automatically presumed dead after 7 years. The fact is, there’s a legal process for declaring a person presumed dead, but it’s not automatic after 7 years. If there's strong evidence that a missing person has died, like in the case of a natural disaster or a known accident, a court can declare them dead sooner than 7 years. To have a missing person legally declared dead, a petition must be filed with the court, which will then make a determination based on the evidence.
