I’m not a mother. So, maybe others who know the trials and tribulation side of parenthood will tell me that the view I’m about to share with you is wrong (however, I live in hope that this is not the case).

I perish the thought that if I am fortunate enough to be bestowed with a child, that I could ever inflict pain on them. That may sound pretty dramatic, but after reading about a law passed on by the Russian Duma, this fate is one that could, heartbreakingly, be something of a reality for some people.

The conservative view of appropriate punishment relating to this matter falls into these categories: “battering a spouse or child will become punishable by a fine of less than $500, a nominal 15 days of ‘administrative arrest’, or community service. Only broken bones or concussion, or repeated offences, would lead to criminal charges.” May it also be noted that domestic battery is punishable by a 2-year sentence, but is seldom enforced.

In addition to this, Senator Yelena Mizulina argued the repulsive and primitive statement: “a man beating his wife is less offensive than when a woman humiliates a man.” and that parents have more of a right to smack their child, compared to a neighbour (also known as the “slapping law”).

Who knew that in this modern era – where we are smart enough to develop techniques to teach children right from wrong – that it’d ever be argued that someone has more of a “right” to inflict pain in order to exercise authority and learning? I thought we were more culturally advanced than these caveman preachings.

Her view of softening domestic violence leaves me incensed, and I can only imagine that ultimately, people will suffer the miserable loopholes of injustice when people manipulate the system.

One could argue that in order to avoid potentially dangerous behaviours exhibited by their child, then maybe such an act can be seen as righteous. But can we honestly defend an act of violence as “ethical” through subjective judgement of when it is “right” to exercise it? Is it okay to slap my child if they are about to put their fingers in the toaster, but not when they are rebelling against tonight’s dinner? How can we categorise it? I am a heavy believer that fear need not be instilled in the minds of the young, in order for them to learn what is positive and negative. Surely physically and psychologically damaging the one you gave life to is further from what is “right” than anything?

In my eyes, this is a disturbing exercise of authority and control will only lead to a rise in domestic violence, and the reprieve of tormentors, rather than a country of people polite in moral and order.

Correct me if I am wrong, but love and violence never go hand in hand.