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-16	CADRP-16

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)

I have real concerns that this will criminalise loving parents who choose to discipline their children with mild and infrequent smacking. I feel this is an unwarranted intrusion into normal family life that will do nothing to prevent real abuse, as existing legislation is already sufficient, if enforced, to deal with abuse. I believe that Welsh Government is really out of step with what most people think about this subject. Why don’t they focus on tackling real issues and helping our country and people to prosper, instead of this unwelcome intrusion into family life.

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, because existing legislation is already sufficient to prevent abuse of children, if properly enforced.

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)

Yes, I believe this will have harmful unintended consequences that could disrupt and harm the fabric of our society, because it will undermine good and loving parents who know better than the state how to raise and discipline their children. Professionals in health and social care, teaching and policing will be confused as to how and when to police this. The efforts, focus and energy of these professionals will be diverted from real abuse while good parents will be criminalised for acting according to their own wisdom and conscience and in love for their 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)

-

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)

-