NSPCC: Response to ‘reasonable punishment’ legislative commitment

NSPCC Cymru / Wales has welcomed the new Welsh government’s commitment to legislate to remove the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’.

Announced by the First Minister in the Senedd this afternoon, as a legislative priority, the move follows many years of campaigning by the NSPCC.

Currently, in a case of common assault against a child, the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ can be used.

That same defence does not exist in a case of common assault against an adult.

Legislation to correct that anomaly would follow similar moves in dozens of other countries.

Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:

“We are extremely pleased to see removing the defence of reasonable punishment within the new government’s legislative programme.

“NSPCC Cymru / Wales has long called for this to happen, bringing us in line with dozens of other countries that have done the same, including the Republic of Ireland.

“This is about children having the same legal protection as adults under the law on assault. As is stands, the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ is available in cases where children have been victims of common assault by parents and guardians.

“That’s not fair. It’s an archaic approach. And it flies in the face of the incredible progress made in boosting children’s rights in Wales in recent years.

“From the UK’s first Children’s Commissioner to Wales becoming the first country in the UK to embed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; this is the next constructive step in legislating to fulfil Welsh children’s rights.”