TREY Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth

Yesterday, on the National Day Against Trafficking in Persons, powerful messages and images were shared across social media worldwide. Important conversations were started, and much-needed awareness was raised.

Today, those conversations NEED to continue.

Human trafficking does not stand still. It adapts, evolves, and finds new ways to exploit vulnerability, which means our understanding, prevention efforts, and approaches to supporting survivors must continue to evolve as well.

We cannot keep fighting today's exploitation with yesterday's understanding.

As Canada works toward a renewed National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, we are at an important moment. The voices of survivors, the experience of frontline organizations, and the evolving realities of exploitation must help shape what comes next.

This past Monday, TREY was honoured to be invited to speak alongside Sgt. Kelly Reid of the New Glasgow Regional Police; Jessica Haji Mohamad, a longtime advocate for victims and survivors whose work spans Canada and internationally; France Young, PEI Education and Advocacy Coordinator with Even For One, whose work has helped strengthen prevention efforts, inform public policy, and protect vulnerable youth across Ontario and Atlantic Canada; and Matt "Bear" Poupart, President of Bikers Against Trafficking Nova Scotia and an officer with the Truro Police Service.

Representing TREY was our Executive Director, Amber Davidson, whose perspective is informed by both lived experience and years of supporting survivors.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, reinforcing a shared truth: ending human trafficking requires collaboration. From law enforcement and the justice system, to survivor-informed organizations, prevention and public policy, community education, advocacy, and long-term recovery, every part of the response has a vital role to play.

Exploitation can shatter a life in moments, but reclaiming that life often takes years. If we are serious about ending human trafficking, our commitment to recovery must be as enduring as the harm is profound.

Now is the time to carry that awareness forward, deepen the conversations, strengthen prevention, and turn what we know into what we do.

Because awareness may begin the conversation, but action is what creates change.

Today is the National Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

This year's theme reminds us of an important truth: human trafficking is constantly evolving. As traffickers adapt their methods, our awareness, prevention efforts, and responses must evolve alongside them.

Whether exploitation begins through grooming, coercion, false promises, or online deception, it is built on the same foundation: the deliberate exploitation of vulnerability for someone else's gain.

Today, we honour survivors, challenge the misconceptions surrounding trafficking, and recommit ourselves to building communities that are informed, vigilant, and prepared to respond.

Because if trafficking evolves, so must we.

We are incredibly grateful to the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC) for awarding TREY a 2026 World Day of Prayer Grant in support of our Restoring Pathways Initiative.

This generous gift will help provide hope, healing, and practical support to women rebuilding their lives after exploitation. It is also a powerful reminder of what can happen when churches across Canada come together in prayer, compassion, and action.

It was a tremendous honour for Carla Shaw to be invited by WICC Executive Director Cath MacKeil to speak at the launch of the 100th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Thank you, WICC, for believing in the work of TREY and for standing with survivors on their journey toward healing and restoration. ❤️
Catherine MacKeil

Today is PTSD Awareness Day.

For many survivors of human s*x trafficking, the trauma does not end when the exploitation ends. The body may be out of danger, but the nervous system can still be living as if danger is near.

PTSD can look like fear, anger, numbness, nightmares, panic, mistrust, exhaustion, shutting down, or always needing to scan the room for safety.

These are not character flaws. They are survival responses.

Survivors do not need judgment. They need safety, time, trauma-informed support, and people who understand that healing is not linear.

At TREY, we believe survivors deserve more than survival. They deserve the chance to rebuild, reconnect, and reclaim their lives with dignity.

Today, we honour every survivor carrying invisible wounds.

Trauma changes the brain. Safety, support, and compassion create the conditions for healing.

💛 **If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or the effects of trauma, support is available:**

🧠 **Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Intake**
Assessment and connection to publicly funded mental health and addiction services.
📞 **1-855-922-1122**

🚨 **Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line (24/7)**
Immediate support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
📞 **1-888-429-8167** (toll-free)
📞 **902-429-8167** (Halifax area)

🤝 **Access Wellness Nova Scotia**
Free, single-session counselling for stress, trauma, anxiety, grief, and other mental health concerns.
📞 **1-833-691-2282**

📚 **Nova Scotia Health – PTSD Resources**
Information about PTSD, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery.
🌐 [https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/topics/conditions/ptsd](https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/topics/conditions/ptsd)

📞 **211 Nova Scotia**
Connect with local mental health, trauma, housing, and community supports.
📞 **2-1-1**
🌐 [https://ns.211.ca](https://ns.211.ca)

🆘 **988 Su***de Crisis Helpline**
Available 24 hours a day by phone or text for anyone in crisis.
📞 or text **988**

💛 If you are a survivor of human trafficking or s*xual exploitation, please know this: healing is possible. You are not defined by what happened to you, and you do not have to walk your recovery journey alone.

Human trafficking is not just a big-city issue.

It happens in communities across Nova Scotia, often behind closed doors and hidden in plain sight.

We commend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit for their work on this investigation and for their commitment to identifying victims and pursuing those responsible.

Every investigation sends an important message:

survivors matter,

exploitation will not be ignored,

and collaboration saves lives.

At TREY, we remain committed to supporting survivors on their journey toward healing and to educating our communities so that together we can prevent exploitation before it begins.

Awareness leads to action.

Action leads to hope.

Together, we can make a difference.

Inverness County District RCMP charges man for s*x trafficking; believes there are additional victims.

Inverness County District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences, including s*x trafficking, in relation to an investigation led by its Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) with assistance of the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit.

On June 24, the Inverness SCEU, assisted by the Nova Scotia RCMP Critical Incident Program, executed a search warrant at a residence in West Bay as part of an investigation that began in June 2025. Officers safely arrested two men and a woman and seized significant evidence supporting human trafficking, drug trafficking and fi****ms offences.

Hubert Alexander Matthews, 63, of West Bay Centre, has been charged with Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, and multiple fi****ms and weapons offences.

Matthews was remanded into custody pending future court appearances.

Investigators believe there are additional victims and are appealing to anyone who may be a victim of s*x trafficking to call their local police or the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by a police officer): 902-449-2425. Anonymous calls can also be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or by using the P3 Tips app.

“Investigators’ first concern is the wellbeing of victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane, Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit. “We encourage victims to come forward and we recognize the strength and courage it takes to do that.”

Harriet Battiste, 61, of West Bay Centre, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and multiple fi****ms and weapons offences.

Battiste was released on conditions pending future court appearances.

The second man arrested at the home was released pending further investigation.

Anyone with information that could support this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220.

File #: 2025-760146

We're honoured to be part of this important community event!

A heartfelt thank you to **Bikers Against Trafficking Nova Scotia** for organizing and hosting this incredible evening of awareness, education, and action. We are grateful for your commitment to shining a light on human trafficking and bringing our community together to be part of the solution.

Join us on **July 27** in Bible Hill. Together, we can create safer communities through knowledge, collaboration, and hope. 💛

We hope to see you there!

Indigenous women and girls continue to be disproportionately impacted by s*xual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, and the statistics we see reported represent only a fraction of the true reality.

This National Indigenous History Month, and every day, it is important that we as a community recognize the importance of not only acknowledging these truths, but continuing to pursue meaningful action, collaboration, advocacy, and stronger trauma-informed pathways to healing and recovery.

At TREY, we understand the importance of culturally relevant support for survivors, and of strengthening and developing relationships with Indigenous organizations, leaders, Elders, and community supports so that together, we can help create safer, more responsive, and more connected systems of care.

This work cannot be done in silos.

May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month.

At TREY Nova Scotia, we believe prevention begins with awareness, education, healthy relationships, and creating safe communities where vulnerable youth and women are protected and supported.

Sexual violence and exploitation leave lasting impacts, but healing is possible. This month, we stand with survivors and commit ourselves to building a culture of dignity, respect, and hope.

Today, Board Member Brenda Leenders and our Executive Director Amber Davidson were among the individuals from TREY who had the privilege of attending the Millbrook Health Fair.

A big thank you to the Millbrook Health Centre for the invitation, and for hosting such a wonderful event filled with organizations and services supporting our communities and beyond. Opportunities like these are such an important reminder of the strength that exists when communities come together in care, connection, and support for one another.