Concerns raised about N.S. safe house after sex charges against founder’s husband

A concerned mother whose daughter is a former resident of a Nova Scotia safe house for survivors of sex trafficking has raised alarm over the involvement of a man charged with sex offences at the organization. Kevin MacLeod, 64, was charged with two counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference dating back to the early 1990s and early 2000s. MacLeod, along with his wife, has been running Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY) in Colchester County since 2016. The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect her daughter’s identity, expressed her worries about the safety of residents at TREY.

The mother emphasized the importance of feeling safe and supported in a recovery house and questioned the organization’s ability to provide a secure environment in light of the charges against MacLeod. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in such facilities to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge and assistance. The mother shared her disbelief upon learning about the allegations against MacLeod, as she believed TREY was doing valuable work in helping survivors of sex trafficking.

Although TREY released a statement claiming that MacLeod was no longer involved with the organization and that the charges were unrelated to its operations, the mother questioned the credibility of this assertion. She pointed out that MacLeod had been actively participating in fundraising events for TREY, raising concerns about the organization’s stance on the matter. The mother suggested that TREY should have suspended its activities temporarily or made a public statement addressing the situation to maintain transparency and trust within the community.

Following the news of the charges against MacLeod, two organizations that connect survivors of trafficking to services removed TREY from their referral networks. The lack of regulation in safe houses for victims and survivors of sex trafficking in Nova Scotia has been highlighted as a potential risk factor by industry experts. Miia Suokonautio, CEO of the YWCA in Halifax, stressed the importance of government oversight and regulation to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals in such facilities.

The mother’s concerns reflect a growing need for transparency, accountability, and regulation in organizations providing support to survivors of sex trafficking. The safety and well-being of individuals seeking refuge and assistance should be the top priority for such organizations, and measures must be put in place to prevent any potential harm or misconduct. As the case against MacLeod unfolds in court, it is crucial for organizations like TREY to uphold the highest standards of care and integrity in their operations.