Catherine Stefani, Asswmblymember
Bill CA AB1363

Pierce’s Pledge

Should I stay or go? Kate Anthony

Hi there,

I am a mother in Novato, CA. I was raised in San Francisco. I recently read about your new bill, AB1363. Thank you so much for supporting and protecting parents and children in the midst of custody battles.

I would like to speak with you about Corporal Punishment in California. It may take years, but it's vital corporal punishment is outlawed in the US (perhaps starting with California), as it is in France, Spain, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, Sweden and more. Please read the US report on Corporal Punishment by the Global Initiative to End Corporal Punishment, 2024:

https://www.endcorporalpunishment.org/wp-content/uploads/country-reports/USA.pdf

The problem is the act of hitting is legal, as the severity or damage cannot be easily measured or proven. What one may experience as a little pat on the butt, another experiences a slap to the face, pushing, pinching or worse. And, without marks that are seen there is no proof and no investigation.

I am creating endspanking.com where I will list facts, research and stories. I would like to see a bill proposed every year until we can get this done. Possible? I hope so.

We have the research now (thank you Nadine Burke-Harris) and it's time. Please let me know if this interests you.

Thank you,

Erin-Marie Driscoll

erinmarie716@gmail.com

(415) 845-3446