Trigger Warning: This article contains details of a criminal sexual assault trial which may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122. All programs are easily accessible, free of charge and confidential.
A Vernon agency that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence is applauding a judge's ruling of a guilty verdict in a historical Vernon sexual assault case, saying the verdict helps set a crucial legal precedent that sexual assault can be punished, even if it took place over 20 years ago.
Justice Sheri Ann Donegan found Vernon businessman and former hockey coach Keith Chase guilty of one count of sexual assault on Feb. 5. Chase was found to have sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in 2004.
The victim was friends with Chase's daughter and Chase was the girls' hockey coach at the time of the offence, which took place in Chase's home during a sleepover the night before a hockey game.
Chase was first found guilty of the offence in 2022 but appealed the conviction and was granted a retrial. The Feb. 5 verdict was therefore the second time Chase has been found guilty of the offence.
Archway Society for Domestic Peace welcomed Justice Donegan's verdict. With the defence in the retrial having argued that there were inconsistencies between the complainant's police testimony and her trial testimony and that there were gaps in her memory, Archway highlighted that the Supreme Court judge took into account that the offence occurred over two decades ago and found that the passage of time would inevitably impact the memories of the key witnesses, including the complainant.
Justice Donegan ultimately found both the victim and her father's testimony to be fair and balanced considering how much time has passed since the offence.
In a press release, Archway's Monica Kriese stressed the guilty verdict and others like it are important for survivors of sexual violence.
"Guilty verdicts in past sexual assault cases in Canada are crucial for both survivors and the justice system. They validate the experiences of survivors, affirming that their suffering is real and that perpetrators can be held accountable, even years later. This recognition helps break the silence surrounding sexual violence, encouraging more survivors to come forward, knowing that justice is possible regardless of how much time has passed. Additionally, it sets legal precedents, reinforcing that the courts take these crimes seriously and that evidence, even in historical cases, can lead to convictions," Kriese said.
Kriese also said the verdict proves that justice can be served, regardless of how much time has passed since the offence was committed.
"These guilty verdicts also send a strong message to those who commit sexual assaults: accountability does not have an expiration date. Perpetrators cannot assume that the passage of time will shield them from legal consequences. This deterrent effect can contribute to a cultural shift in which sexual violence is less tolerated, and consent is better understood and respected. By securing convictions in past cases, the legal system upholds the principle that justice should not be limited by time, fostering a society where survivors feel supported and offenders are held responsible for their actions."
The age of consent for sexual activity in Canada is 16 years old, though, Archway pointed out that even if a 16 or 17-year-old consents to sexual activity, it is considered illegal if the partner is in a position of trust of authority, or if there is any exploitation or dependency involved.
In this case, the 16-year-old victim did not give consent to sexual touching and cunnilingus, with Justice Donegan noting that "silence is not consent." Chase was also in a position of trust and authority, being the father of the victim's close friend and her hockey coach.
Archway provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence (current and historical) throughout the North Okanagan. Support is provided for all genders and sexualities. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and its phone number is 250-309-6733. To get in touch after hours, call 250-542-1122.
