Consultation on the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

Tystiolaeth i’r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar gyfer craffu Cyfnod 1 Bil Plant (Diddymu Amddiffyniad Cosb Resymol) (Cymru)

Evidence submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

CADRP-24

CADRP-24

 

About you

Individual

1      The Bill’s general principles

1.1     Do you support the principles of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill?

— No

1.2     Please outline your reasons for your answer to question 1.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Criminalising parental smacking is unreasonable state interference in family life and

undermines parents. The European Court of Human Rights has upheld the legal defence of

reasonable chastisement in principle.

Politicians are out-of-step with the public. There is major opposition to criminalising

smacking. Polls show that three quarters of the public oppose a smacking ban

Crimilising parents will not prevent this from happening and may exaccerbate the problem by compounding the problem of "taking the punishment home" where behind closed doors it is likely to be worse !

I think this is a short sighted and nieve policy by the Welsh Assembly and makes us look like sheep and not thought leaders.

1.3     Do you think there is a need for legislation to deliver what this Bill is trying to achieve?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Any punishment that is excessive is already against the law

The current law does not need to be changed, it needs to be enforced

The bill WILL NOT succeed in protecting children and only alienate and isolate parents and increase suspicion, isolation and fear amongst parents, teachers, people in position.

I can't express how stupid and short sighted I believe this legislation is and I'm hoping we can reconsider before it's too late.

2      The Bill’s implementation

2.1     Do you have any comments about any potential barriers to  implementing the Bill? If no, go to question 3.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

-

2.2     Do you think the Bill takes account of these potential barriers?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

-

3      Unintended consequences

3.1     Do you think there are there any unintended consequences arising from the Bill? If no, go to question 4.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Removing the ‘reasonable chastisement defence’ will mean that a parent disciplining their

child with a mild smack would be classed as assault. Banning smacking will inevitably catch

ordinary loving parents and turn them into criminals.

Enforcement would disrupt families. If a parent is penalised for smacking they could lose

their job or even custody of their children.

Turning smacking into abuse will bring confusion into the law against child abuse. This will

be dangerous for at-risk children.

4      Financial implications

4.1     Do you have any comments on the financial implications of the Bill (as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum)? If no, go to question 5.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

The financial impact of the legislation is immaterial.

This is moral not a financial issue !

5      Other considerations

5.1     Do you have any other points you wish to raise about this Bill?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Legislation should not be used to subsidise poorly funded social services.

Give social services, local councils and teachers more money.

Don't just put good parents who smack their kids infrequently and only as a last resort in prison !