Community Calls for Improved Response After Child Assault at Dartmouth Hotel

Dartmouth, NS — In a distressing incident at a Dartmouth hotel in October 2023, nine-year-old Amarah Brown was yanked out of a swimming pool by her hair by an unknown adult woman. Amarah, who was attending a friend’s birthday party, described the ordeal alongside her mother, Tamara Brown, during a visit to Community Update last month.

The accused, a resident of Newfoundland, has since been charged with assault. However, Tamara Brown expressed significant frustration with the responses from various authorities, including the Halifax Regional Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, and Victims Services.

Tamara detailed several issues with the handling of the case:

1. Delayed Response Time: Tamara criticized the Halifax Regional Police for their response time on the day of the incident. Immediate intervention was crucial, but she felt it was lacking.

2. Delayed Statement Collection: It took the police an additional three weeks to get a statement from Amarah. Tamara believes this delay was unnecessary and compounded their distress.

3. Inter-Provincial Coordination: The process of coordinating with police in Newfoundland to charge Bantelman was lengthy and frustrating, adding to the family's sense of injustice.

4. Communication with Prosecution Service: Tamara voiced concerns about her interactions with Acting Chief Crown Attorney Cheryl Schurman, feeling that the prosecution service was not adequately addressing the severity of the incident.

The incident has sparked discussions in the community about the efficiency and sensitivity of local authorities in handling such cases, especially those involving children. Tamara Brown is advocating for more streamlined and compassionate procedures to prevent other families from experiencing similar frustrations.

"This shouldn't happen to any child, and the response should be immediate and thorough," Tamara stated during her visit to Community Update. "We need to ensure that our systems protect and support victims, especially the youngest and most vulnerable among us."

As the case progresses, many in Dartmouth and beyond are calling for reviews and reforms to ensure quicker and more effective responses in future incidents of assault and violence. The Browns' story has become a rallying point for those seeking justice and improvement in the community's handling of such traumatic events.