Anti-smacking law in NZ...

[sparks19]

Well if the abuse in the country is that bad then something should be done.... but like you said.... passing an anti smacking law is not going to stop the child abusers. there is a big difference between a smack on the butt and abuse IMO. It's just going to stop parents who give the occassional smack for very wrong doings from disciplining their children OR have them arrested when they really don't deserve that. chances are most of the child abusers aren't out in public beating the snot out of their children. that is the major problem I see with this law. it's not going to stop anything except for those who use the smack responsibly. IMO. I say they give Abusers harsher punishments. Guaranteed jail time. I know around here child services basically has to witness the child abuse before anythign is actually done about it and sometimes even when they do they recommend counselling and other crap. PUT THE ABUSERS IN JAIL ... period. and I think abusers (when caught and sent to jail) should be sterilized no more kids for them.

[carole]

I am sorry I think i have given you all the wrong impression about my country,this is not an isolated case, however it is not a daily occurence either,I imagine child abuse is much the same in the USA,child abuse takes on all forms, from neglect to physical punishment,I do believe however for the size of our population which is four million people, it is far too high, and something needs to be done about it, NZ is a multi-cultural society,there are some cultures who accept corporal punishment as the normal,like alot of the islanders who have emigrated here.

I do think some parents will be treated as criminals,those who believe in a quick smack for wrong doing, and that will be a mistake,the real child abusers will continue despite such a law,they are beyond the law,no law will stop them ,that is for sure.

I am a little worried as to the right of a parent to raise their child as they see fit being taken away from them,I mean what is next ?

[columbine]

In the USA, the emphasis is on liberty. YOUR kids and YOUR wife are YOURS to do with as you see fit. Anybody who tries to interfere with that is a commu - sorry, terrorist (begging your pardon, I'm kinda old).

Of course, if your boyfriend begs to be collared, leashed, and whacked with a rolled-up newspaper, and you're dumb enough to accede, and you get caught, well, it's prison for you, you perv.

Moral of the story: 1) Don't have kids. 2) Don't get married. 3) Don't date.

Love, Columbine (batting 1000 so far!)

[Karen]

In the USA, the emphasis is on liberty. YOUR kids and YOUR wife are YOURS to do with as you see fit.

That is NOT true. Abuse is criminal, here, as it should be. Often, though, an abused person will refuse to press charges, and that makes it difficult to enforce the law, when abuse occurs inside the home and no one talks about it. But a teacher can intervene if they suspect abuse, and Social Service agencies can investigate, etc.

Anybody who tries to interfere with that is a commu - sorry, terrorist (begging your pardon, I'm kinda old).

Of course, if your boyfriend begs to be collared, leashed, and whacked with a rolled-up newspaper, and you're dumb enough to accede, and you get caught, well, it's prison for you, you perv.

Again, not true, unless he agrees to press charges.

Moral of the story: 1) Don't have kids. 2) Don't get married. 3) Don't date.

Love, Columbine (batting 1000 so far!)

[columbine]

That is NOT true. Abuse is criminal, here, as it should be.

Legally - yes! Culturally - no. as you said:

Often, though, an abused person will refuse to press charges, and that makes it difficult to enforce the law, when abuse occurs inside the home and no one talks about it. But a teacher can intervene if they suspect abuse, and Social Service agencies can investigate, etc.

And Heaven help them. One obfuscatory presence in the law enforcement hierarchy can scuttle the whole thing.

Again, not true, unless he agrees to press charges.

Or it violates "prevailing community standards" and some busybody who dislikes you for some unrelated reason decides to infiltrate the event at which you pursue these diversions.

Culture and law are two very different things, and culture often wins out.

[sparks19]

First of all, apparently I am VERY fortunate to have a husband that doesn't see me as his to do as he sees fit. LOL he knows better and he would never do anything to me just out of love and respect if nothing else.

BUT.... it is not just men that abuse. I have heard of plenty of men that suffer spousal abuse from their wives.... but like Karen said.... it often goes unreported.

I can't say that I ever got a feeling that culturally in the US owning your spouse and child is the norm. Especially being the cultural melting pot that we are. I wouldn't say that I own my child... but under the age of 18 I AM responsible for them AND I can face consequences for their mistakes if they are underage. So while that doesn't mean I own them.... I am required to be a parent and provide them with the nessecities of life and can be held liable if they make illegal choices.

[lizbud]

IMO. I say they give Abusers harsher punishments. Guaranteed jail time. I know around here child services basically has to witness the child abuse before anythign is actually done about it and sometimes even when they do they recommend counselling and other crap. PUT THE ABUSERS IN JAIL ... period. and I think abusers (when caught and sent to jail) should be sterilized no more kids for them.

I think this Prosecuter & Judge in this recent case, heard you. This jerk
recieved 40 yrs in prison for abuse to his 2 yr old step daughter.Her injuries
revealed beatings over a period of time.

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/11258997/detail.html

[sparks19]

I think this Prosecuter & Judge in this recent case, heard you. This jerk
recieved 40 yrs in prison for abuse to his 2 yr old step daughter.Her injuries
revealed beatings over a period of time.

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/11258997/detail.html

Well I have been known to be ... Loud lol.

that is terrible. I feel so bad for these kids... especially a little two year old.... and it has been going on over a period of time?! My goodness the child must have been an infant when it started. it's sickening to me and I am glad they are giving out serious penalties for this kind of thing. There is no excuse.