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-566

CADRP-566

 

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?

— Yes

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)

The aim of the proposed legislation is to support children’s rights by prohibiting the use of physical or corporal punishment. The abolition of the defence of reasonable punishment will secure this and will give children in Wales the same protection against common assault in law as adults. Thus ensuring that Wales complies with Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Currently, children do not have equal protection due to the existence of the defence. I believe this is not right and must change. For this reason this Bill has my full support.

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)

For the reasons I have outlined in response to question one I absolutely believe there is an urgent need for this Bill and what, if passed, it would achieve. Indeed, Wales needs to catch up with many other countries throughout the world who have already passed legislation which protects children and upholds Article 19 of the UNCRC.

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)

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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)

I am concerned that there has been scaremongering surrounding the Bill and, consequently, a great deal of misinformation. For example, the Bill does NOT seek to criminalise parents and it does NOT create a new criminal offence. For this reason I am glad that there will be a concerted effort and drive to provide accurate information regarding the Bill and address any misinformation.

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)

There is considerable evidence that physical or corporal punishment can be very harmful to children. I believe children in Wales deserve to be respected and to have equal protection in law as adults.

There was a time, not that long ago, when domestic abuse was seen as something that just happened in our society and was the norm. But attitudes have changed and we now have domestic abuse legislation. Similarly, we need legislation to protect our children. It is the very least they deserve and should expect.