GBV 19

Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

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

Response from: Anne Sinclair Taylor

The Bill is a welcome development in the bid to tackle violence in families. However reducing and preventing such violence is not an age specific issue. If the subjugation and control of one human being by another through inflicting pain is wrong between adults, then it is wrong between adults and children. Children are after all more vulnerable and impressionable and learn from the models of behaviour adults provide. Children treated violently are more likely to become aggressive as children and adults. Thus the cycle continues.

Research from other countries clearly shows that legislation banning corporal punishment of children in the home changes attitudes and reduces violence and abuse. This Bill allows the Welsh Assembly to remove the outdated and discredited 'reasonable punishment' defence and afford children the same protection it aims to give adults. As a teacher and lecturer involved in child protection throughout my career I sincerely hope the Assembly now takes this important opportunity to protect everyone, children and adults from Domestic violence.

I live in England and am ashamed of this country's position regarding the protection of children in all settings. Wales has the the opportunity to join other enlightened countries and reap the benefit of reduced violence not only in the home but in wider society.

Sincerely

Anne Sinclair Taylor