Overview
The Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act, provision to remove the defence of “reasonable chastisement” from Scots law comes in to force on 7 November. However, there have been concerns around the Scottish Government’s lack of awareness-raising around the change in the law.
Why it matters
Convener of the Law Society of Scotland criminal law committee, Debbie Wilson, said:
“Driving meaningful behavioural change requires much more than changing the law,”
“It’s vital that every generation, from child to grandparent, is aware of this significant legal and cultural change and we believe the new legislation should be accompanied by a wide-scale public education and awareness campaign.”