Most of them have left of their own accord, for personal reasons, for space, or time to reflect. It is not a crime for an adult of sound mind to go missing. Most such people return to their home after a few days or weeks, or at least contact their family to let them know they are safe. Many missing people are depressed, some suffering from long-term depression, while others are upset after a family funeral or a dispute with another family member. The families of these missing people suffer the same unrelenting pain that is felt by the families of missing people who have been murdered. There is no closure, no definite information; families grieve but cannot say their last goodbyes. They do not know if their loved ones are still alive, or if not, where their bodies might lie. Of the two thousand people reported missing in Ireland every year, between five and fifteen will never be found. Some of these will have gone away by themselves, perhaps not being in full health, while others will have disappeared because they have been murdered.
