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-186

CADRP-186

 

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 believe that to NOT punish a child when it is habitually endangering or harming itself or other people is a form of serious child abuse. This child will grow up with a disrespectful attitude towards society in general and an engrained feeling that it has a right to " Have it all and have it now ! ". The Swedish experience proves the point. Child on child violence has increased by 1791% and one study suggests that true assaults by adults on children have increased rather than decreased in Sweden ( I believe the latter may be as a result of pent up frustration and desperation on the part of adults having to dealing with these children).In my opinion we are heading for a madhouse society - if we are not already there !

 I believe that many of those in power are more interested in the opinions of a vocal minority who suggest that they will be remembered in history as compassionate human beings if they implement these changes ,and as a result they are disregarding evidence and common sense in favour of self elevation.

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 - we already have adequate legislation for dealing with those who perhaps get pleasure out of hurting others  (including their children) or for whom parenting is some kind of power trip.

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)

Some surveys suggest that public opinion in Wales is about 70% against the principals of the bill. I think people will probably smack secretly anyway. Resources are far too limited to implement such a bill effectively on this scale .

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)

Many good parents will be criminalised. The law courts and police forces will have resources diverted from real crimes. Children and parents will suffer permanent scars as a result of being separated needlessly by social services.

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 consequences would be endless. More  Legal aid , policing , care , social services intervention ,counselling , psychiatric intervention . And long term less economic productivity . To mention a few.

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)

No