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-155

CADRP-155

 

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)

The law is unnecessary as children already have sufficient protection.  Indeed, it will undermine parental authority and control - both sorely needed these days - as well as criminalizing parents who are doing their best to bring up children in an increasingly difficult world.  It will overwhelm police and social services with trivial cases - both are over-stretched as it is.   It is also something that the vast majority of the population of Wales don't want - to pursue this legislation in the light of this is undemocratic.

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)

No.  There are already sufficient safeguards to prevent significant child abuse and cruelty.

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)

The police and social services lack the resources to implement this, given that most parents occasionally see the need to smack young children who will not respond to reason.

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)

No.

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)

Yes.  Sensible, caring, loving parents will be criminalized.  Police and social services will be overwhelmed and distracted from serious cases that really do need their attention.

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)

No

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)

The evidence from around the world points to an increase in violence where such legislation has been enacted.  Do you really wantto be responsible for this and for the further breakdown of law and order, and of family life?