Anti-smacking law in NZ...

[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.