WARNING: This article contains violent content and has been or is affected by sexual violence. It can affect people who know people.
They only called him a "boy" and forbade him to speak.
As a child, abandoned by a stranger to his real mother, he was trafficked from house to house in Nova Scotia and recalls the horrific sexual abuse that followed.
For years it was a man's oppressed secret — but now he's regaining a voice that was once banned. As an adult, he gives survivors the opportunity to share their stories through college research projects, helping boys and men who feel lonely in their suffering.
"This was what I had since I was a kid, what I kept awake at night, and what I had to get down from my chest to get healing and help. Others in the process. "
CBC News has agreed to refer to him by the pseudonym Case to protect his identity as a survivor of the child's sex trafficking.
Case says he was five years old when given to a stranger. He describes it as an old couple.
"My mom, she's gone, and they locked the door, and they said these words I'll never forget. They said," You It's ours now, "he said.
Case says the abuse began soon. He is not allowed to speak and he believes the couple refused to call him by name in order to separate them from their actions.
"Looking back, after receiving treatment and doing my research, the reason why they use the term" boy "and other words that are different from my real name is someone's name. By using it, you actually make the person a reality. It connects you to humanity, "said Case, a master's student currently studying global leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria.
"But by distinguishing you, you can avoid having a heavy conscience about what they are doing to me by using terms other than the real person.
Trafficked for 2½ months
The trial lasted about two and a half months. I didn't know what to expect. "
Eventually, Case says he refused to "act", despite the beating he knew was waiting for him as a punishment for his rebellion. He says the couple threatened to send him to New Brunswick.
One day, when the couple left him alone at home, Case said he howled for the help of the children who heard him playing outside. The children came and saw Case trapped in a cage, but he explained that he would come back when his mother returned home.
Meanwhile, they gave Case a candy and a chocolate bar. This is a little kind act. When the couple returned home, they found a wrapper in the cage.
"They saw each other and started crying," he said. "Looking back, I didn't know who gave me the chocolate wrapper, and I realized that someone found me in the cage."
He went to another house in Trulo, Nova Scotia. I remember calling in a hurry and being sent immediately. He was eventually returned to his mother.
"My main message is that the things you are trying to hide in your life are the same things that can actually free you," he says. I did.
"I didn't want to be beaten, so I was hiding a chocolate bar wrapper here — and that chocolate bar wrapper saved my life."
Focus energy on helping others
In 2019, Case approached Nova Scotia RCMP about his case and voiced his claim. CBC News reviewed his statement documenting the degree of abuse.
Case later decided not to continue the crime. He says police discouraged him from pursuing the problem and some of the people who accused him of being involved died afterwards because the allegations of abuse had occurred long ago. But Case says his greatest fear was that his estranged mother could go to jail or jail.
Instead, he says, Case chose to focus on healing his energy and helping others.
He shared his story openly with his class and professor Wanda Clause.
"Impressed by his courage and courage, I can talk about his experience and speak on behalf of many others who are not ready to speak. A great challenge to crime." Told.
"The area and the research he is doing is so scarce that I think it really rocks things and hopefully moves the mountains."
Data In 2020, the latest year available,Nova Scotia had the highest rate of trafficking in the Canadian province
Sexual assault therapist Margaret Moger Members of the Aftertrauma Empowerment Network in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, say the numbers don't tell the whole story.
"It's hard to really know what numbers we're dealing with when it comes to trafficking," she said.
"Some people have experienced it, but I don't know what it's called. Some people are there now and know for the operations and care that takes place. No. "
Moger believes that there are more men suffering, but says he is less likely to come forward. That's why it's so important for her to share Keith's story.
"The lack of a male voice or mention of a male survivor is even more isolated," she said.
Case states that sexual trafficking of children can occur anytime, anywhere. He continues to be plagued by the memory of another boy trapped in a cage while he is detained in a building, wondering what happened to him.
"This kind of violence is happening right next door," says Kayce. "It will blow your heart."
Within the next few months, Case will fully embark on his research and a male survivor living in Nova Scotia facing similar trauma. Hope to go forward and share their story.
Meanwhile, he says he has been working on letting go of his past and the anger that once consumed him.
He has a message to those who hurt him.
"I want to say I forgave you," he says. "The main thing I need for you is to have you forgive yourself. I want you to heal."
Sexually assaulted Anyone can get support. Crisis management lines and regional support services through thisGovernment of Canada websiteorYou can access. Ending Violence Association of Canada DatabaseCall 911 if you are in imminent risk or are afraid of the safety of yourself or others. ..
Other Top Stories
