GBV 17

Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill: Stage 1

Response from: Justin Mills

I am writing to express my concern about the notion that the Welsh Assembly are considering whether to  include in a bill the notion that hitting children is acceptable. Hitting children will be deemed acceptable if the adult uses 'reasonable punishment'. This cannot be allowed to be continued in the current domestic violence bill. 

I am a proud citizen of wales, teacher and  father of three young children. Adults are not permitted to control each other through violence. How is it acceptable to do this to children? We know that violent adults in domestic relationships, have overwhelmingly encountered violence in their childhoods and we have a moral obligation to protect children from any form of physical violence. 39 countries gave banned snacking with the effect of falling rates of violence.

I urge you to bring this matter to the attention of the Welsh Assembly as a matter of conscience and moral duty to protect our youngest citizens.

Justin Mills