MONDAY marked the start of National Missing Persons Week raising awareness of the impact of losing a loved one.
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Victoria Police recorded there were 8462 missing person reports across Victoria for 2013/14.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said the week helped jog the memories of people who may have vital information.
"When a loved one, family member or friend disappears without explanation, it causes significant heartache for the families involved," Mr Fontana said.
"We know that some people don't want to be found.
"It's not our job to judge, but rather make sure that anyone reported as missing is safe and well.
"For those of you who may have started a new life without the knowledge of your family or friends, please let police know so we can at least alleviate some of that pain.
You don't need to tell us where you are, just that you're ok.
- Stephen Fontana
"You don't need to tell us where you are, just that you're ok."
Krystal Lee Fraser was last seen on June 20, 2009, in Pyramid Hill. It was a Saturday. She had been in accommodation adjoining the maternity ward at Bendigo Hospital, where she was to give birth to her son.
Donny Govan, then 16, disappeared on August 31, 2012, from an Echuca campsite where he had been camping with his sister Rachael O’Keane and four Ballarat friends.
Terry Floyd vanished 38 years ago from the intersection of the Sunraysia and Pyrenees highways on June 28, 1975.
Detectives investigating the case at the time believed Terry was abducted and murdered.
Mr Fontana said despite the time that has passed since some of the disappearances, members of the public are always encouraged to come forward with information.
"While the majority of missing people are found within a short period, some are not," he said.
"If you can help, please contact police."