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-274

CADRP-274

 

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)

As addressed in my response to a previous consultation such legislation could result in many caring parents, grandparents and guardians being given a criminal record.  Whether it would prevent 'bad' parents abusing children is questionable.

 

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)

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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)

As a former teacher and social worker I can well imagine a huge increase in the work load for those having responsibility in over deciding whether to bring referrals to court.

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)

Just think!  A child runs out of a shop onto a traffic busy street.    A single Mum, who I know to be a caring mother, has to grab the child and applies a slap to the child's legs.  Two passers by upbraid the woman, threatening to report her to 'the authorities.'  That happened before my very eyes.  If this Bill was in force, what then for that woman?

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)

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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 threat of this Bill is to me an unnecessary intrusion into already deteriorating family life.  The existing law already protects children from violence.  My late Nan once smacked me when  I was bullying my younger brother.  Never bullied him again.I gather child-on-child violence in Sweden increased after smacking was banned in 1979.

By the way, Nan, to whom I owe so much, a much respected Parish Councillor, loved me.  Should I have rang the police or social workers back then in 1950?