A place where women seek support and shelter from sexual abuse in Halifax is missing money and now the police are looking into it.
The Avalon Sexual Assault Centre says the numbers weren’t adding up when financial auditors took a look at their books in January.
“As a result, on May 17, 2021, the board contracted an external investigator to complete a detailed review of previous fiscal years. On June 24, 2021, the investigator reported that it appeared as if one employee misappropriated funds,” Avalon explained in a release posted to their Facebook page.
It’s believed an employee may have taken advantage of being reimbursed for certain expenses over a four year period.
The centre says they know this will be concerning to funders, clients, and the community but aren’t releasing any more details.
“Avalon’s priority is the continuation of the vital services it provides to its clients and the community. Avalon Sexual Assault Centre has been supporting survivors of sexualized violence since 1984. It has continued to provide therapeutic counselling, sexual assault nurse examiner service, navigation, advocacy and education non-stop throughout the pandemic. These services are vital to creating communities free from sexualized violence and abuse.”
Avalon’s accountant and board treasurer are reviewing financial policies and internal financial controls to prevent and detect misappropriation.
It’s not known how much money is involved.
