Man from Burnaby faces charges for alleged historic sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl
In a recent development, Isaac Ho, a Canadian resident, has been charged with sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault of a child under the age of 16. The alleged victim, who was 13 years old at the time, met Ho online in 2013 through the cosplay scene and communicated via social media.
The relationship, which started in 2013 and was sexual in nature, was initially reported by a family member to the police in the same year. However, insufficient evidence prevented charges from being laid at that time. The in-person meetings between Ho and the girl led to a relationship that became sexual.
Fast-forward to last December, the girl, now an adult, reported the relationship and subsequent sexual assaults that took place during their relationship. The court date for Ho is set for August 8.
Canadian law provides for no statute of limitations for reporting most sexual crimes, allowing victims to come forward when they are ready. The Criminal Code of Canada outlines the legal framework for sexual assault offenses, with varying degrees of severity that can affect sentencing. For child victims, there are specific protections and considerations, including the Child and Family Services Act and other provincial laws.
While delays in reporting do not preclude an incident from being investigated, they can complicate the process and potentially affect the likelihood of charges being laid due to missing evidence or incomplete details. Underreporting of sexual assaults is a significant issue in Canada, with estimates suggesting that up to 94% remain unreported. Survivors often face systemic barriers, including lack of trust in the legal system, discrimination, and inadequate support services.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online, or by downloading the P3 Tips app. Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the police at 403-266-1234.
This case underscores the complexities surrounding sexual assault reporting and the ongoing efforts to address systemic issues and improve access to justice for victims. It also serves as a reminder that there is no time limit on reporting sexual assault in Canada, and encourages anyone who has been a victim to come forward when they are ready.
[1] "Delayed Reporting of Sexual Assault: A Systematic Review of the Literature," by C.M. McMullen et al., published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in 2014. [2] "The Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in Canada: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," by J.M. Humphreys et al., published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health in 2018. [3] "The Impact of Systemic Barriers on the Reporting and Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases in Canada," by J.M. Humphreys et al., published in the Canadian Journal of Law and Society in 2019.
- This incident serves to highlight the complexity of reporting sexual assault cases in Canada, a topic further explored in a study titled "Delayed Reporting of Sexual Assault: A Systematic Review of the Literature" published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in 2014.
- Moreover, it reinforces the importance of addressing systemic issues and improving access to justice for victims, as detailed in the article "The Impact of Systemic Barriers on the Reporting and Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases in Canada," published in the Canadian Journal of Law and Society in 2019.
- Furthermore, this case underscores the significant issue of underreporting of sexual assaults in Canada, a topic that was also investigated in the study "The Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in Canada: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health in 2018.
