DURING the period when a child is missing, the parents experience intense psychological trauma, which is marked by acute fear, panic, helplessness, intrusive thoughts and overwhelming guilt, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and weakened immunity. This crucial stage is commonly described as “ambiguous loss”, where parents grieve without certainty.
Even when the child is found alive, the trauma does not end. In the case of the missing 13-year-old girl, her absence combined with the relief of her being found safe, coexists with shock, anger, confusion, fear of judgement, and deep anxiety about legal and social consequences. The emotional clash can be overwhelming.
Learning that one’s child was with an older person intensifies this distress, which can trigger protective rage, fears of grooming or exploitation, moral shock,…
