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-570

CADRP-570

 

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)

Banning the smacking of children criminalizes parents and could overwhelm po0lice and social services with minor cases rather than focusing resources on cases of real child abuse.

I have three children and smacking was just of a range of measures we used to teach our children boundaries and discipline. They are all blossoming into fine young ladies. It should not be the role of the state to dictate to families how they choose to discipline their children.

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)

I think this bill should be withdrawn.

The vast majority of the electorate think that smacking within a loving family environment should not be criminalized.

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)

Unfortunately the WG appears to have the votes to make this bill law.

Despite there being no general support for this legalization Politicians are deciding to implement a ban.

There is already legislation for child abuse and battery.

Children are already [protected by the law so there is no need for this law.

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)

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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)

Loving parents would be criminalized by the bill

Children could be removed by social services into the care system from loving families, Traumatizing the child and bringing more pressure on and already extended children services.

Police resources would be used on following up numerous trivial complaints

Child on child violence could increase as it did in Sweden after the introduction of a similar ban.

Social services could be swamped by extra work helping enforce the ban.

 

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)

Social services police and children's services are already facing challenging financial environments.

This implementation and policing of this bill will simply drain already scarce resources.

 

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)

I think it is an abuse of authority and power to invade family homes with this legislation.