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-89

CADRP-89

 

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 am one of the vast majority of people in Wales who oppose this measure, and w e are supposed to be a democracy!

In my view, it is unnecessary, and has the potential to put parents in a very difficult position under the law.

I am totally opposed to all forms of child abuse, but as a parent myself, of grown up children, I resent the potential  interference from politicians in what is essentially a family matter.

 

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!

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)

At a young enough age when children might not be able to understand a verbal warning, a child's safety could be jeopardised - for example if a child is in danger of touching something hot?

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)

A parent's responsibility is to bring up their child or children in a loving and secure environment. I understand the total abhorrence at the thought of the abuse of children, which I share. I do not feel that the proposed legislation is an appropriate way of protecting children. Sadly, those with a twisted tendency to abuse will not be prevented from doing so, and loving parents could potentially be criminalised for simply trying to look after their children.

I would urge the Government in Wales to take note of the views and opinions of the vast majority of people in Wales and abandon this proposed piece of legislation.