The Alarming Rate of Missing Persons in Virginia: What’s Being Done About It?
Virginia, like every other state in the US, has been experiencing a worrying trend of missing persons over the years. The surge in the number of such cases is a cause for concern and calls for urgent action. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an average of 800,000 children is reported missing every year in the United States, and Virginia is no exception.
The Statistics
In 2020, the Virginia State Police received 3,864 reports of missing persons. As of April 2021, a total of 744 persons were still missing in Virginia, with the highest number of missing persons cases occurring in Fairfax County, according to the Virginia State Police. The majority of the missing persons were under the age of 18 and were considered runaways. However, the Police department also reported 37 cases of critically missing adults.
The Causes of Missing Persons Cases in Virginia
While each missing persons case is unique, several factors can contribute to an individual going missing in Virginia. Some of the common reasons include:
Running Away from Home
Most of the missing persons cases in Virginia are runaways. Many of them flee from home due to issues such as family conflict, peer pressure, or poor living conditions. Some may feel neglected, unloved, or misunderstood by their parents or guardians. Sadly, many runaways reportedly become victims of sex trafficking or end up homeless.
Abductions
Despite being rare, abduction cases can result in missing persons. An abductor can be a family member, friend, or stranger who takes the individual without their consent. Abductions are typically linked to custody disputes or revenge-seeking actions of an estranged parent or relative.
Mental Illness or Dementia
People with mental illness, dementia, or other cognitive disabilities are at higher risk of going missing. They may wander away from their homes or neighborhoods and become disoriented or lost. These individuals require specialized care and may need assistance to remain safe.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a prevalent problem worldwide, and Virginia is no exception. Victims of human trafficking are often forced or coerced into sexual and labor exploitation. The vast majority of victims of human trafficking are women and girls who fall prey to traffickers’ false promises.
What’s Being Done About It?
Several measures have been set up to address the spate of missing persons cases in Virginia. These measures include:
The Virginia State Police
The Virginia State Police use a multijurisdictional criminal intelligence system to track missing and exploited children. They also offer support to other law enforcement personnel to solve cases of missing persons. Additionally, the Amber Alert program is deployed to notify the public of an abducted child in an emergency. A task force has also been established to investigate missing persons cases actively.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers several resources to address missing persons cases in Virginia. These resources include specialized training programs for law enforcement personnel, child safety education, and a hotline to receive reports of missing or exploited children.
Community Members
Community members can also play a crucial role in preventing missing persons cases in Virginia. By reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies and staying vigilant, community members can help identify potential abductors or traffickers and prevent them from committing crimes.
Conclusion
Missing persons cases pose a severe threat to the safety and wellbeing of individuals in Virginia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take proactive measures to control the number of missing persons cases in the state. Public awareness, engagement, and education must be done to help prevent such cases from happening. Additionally, a better awareness and coordination between law enforcement agencies, community members, and organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can go a long way in securing our communities and minimizing the incidences of missing persons cases in Virginia.
