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

CBC News
(6 months ago)
Frances Willick
HalifaxNova ScotiaKevin MacLeodLegalSocietyStudentsAdoption

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Concerns are mounting regarding Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY), a Nova Scotia safe house for sex trafficking survivors, following sex charges laid against Kevin MacLeod, the husband of a co-founder. MacLeod was charged in October with sexual assault and sexual interference related to incidents from the 1990s-2000s. Despite TREY's statement that MacLeod and his wife are no longer involved and current staff have vulnerable sector checks, a former resident's mother and community members question MacLeod's continued presence at fundraisers and the organization's public defense of him. Consequently, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and Nova Scotia's TESS have removed TREY from their referral networks, highlighting the broader issue of a lack of regulation for safe houses in the province.

Trending
  1. 1 Early 1990s - early 2000s: Incidents leading to charges against Kevin MacLeod.
  2. 2 2016: Kevin MacLeod and his wife help run TREY.
  3. 3 October (likely 2024): Kevin MacLeod charged with sex offenses.
  4. 4 February (likely 2025): Kevin MacLeod participates in a TREY fundraiser.
  5. 5 Ongoing: TREY removed from referral networks.
  6. 6 August: Kevin MacLeod's next court appearance.
  • Concerns about the safety and integrity of TREY as a safe house
  • Removal of TREY from key referral networks for survivors of trafficking
  • Calls for increased government regulation and oversight of safe houses for vulnerable populations
  • Ongoing legal proceedings against Kevin MacLeod
What: Concerns are being raised about Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY), a Nova Scotia safe house for sex trafficking survivors, due to sex charges against Kevin MacLeod, the husband of a co-founder.
When: Kevin MacLeod was charged in October (likely 2024). The alleged incidents took place between the early 1990s and early 2000s. MacLeod's next court appearance is in August. A TREY fundraiser where MacLeod appeared took place in February (likely 2025). TREY was co-founded in 2016.
Where: Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY) is located in Colchester County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The YWCA, which operates TESS, is in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Why: Kevin MacLeod, who was deeply involved with TREY, faces serious sex charges, raising questions about the safety and trustworthiness of the organization, especially given its mission to help vulnerable youth. The organization's response to the charges and the lack of regulation in the safe house sector are also significant concerns.
How: A mother of a former resident voiced her concerns. Referral networks like the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and Nova Scotia's TESS removed TREY from their directories. The organization issued a statement regarding MacLeod's involvement. The situation has brought attention to the lack of government regulation for safe houses in Nova Scotia.

People

Kevin MacLeodMiia Suokonautio

Organizations

Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY)RCMPPublic Prosecution ServiceCanadian Human Trafficking HotlineNova Scotia's Trafficking and Exploitation Services System (TESS)YWCA in HalifaxCBC News

Locations

Colchester County

Locations

Canada Halifax Halifax Regional Municipality

Concerns are mounting regarding Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth (TREY), a Nova Scotia safe house for sex trafficking survivors, following sex charges laid against Kevin MacLeod, the husband of a co-founder. MacLeod was charged in October with sexual assault and sexual interference related to incidents from the 1990s-2000s. Despite TREY's statement that MacLeod and his wife are no longer involved and current staff have vulnerable sector checks, a former resident's mother and community members question MacLeod's continued presence at fundraisers and the organization's public defense of him. Consequently, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and Nova Scotia's TESS have removed TREY from their referral networks, highlighting the broader issue of a lack of regulation for safe houses in the province.