The police in my hometown of Plymouth arrested a man for beating his son with a belt because his son forgot his homework (“Spanking foe tries positive approach,” Feb. 18). This behavior among most family members is assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. For parents against children it is acceptable behavior. The Plymouth County District Attorney dropped the charges, perhaps because there was no broken skin or severe bruises.

Parents use and society continues to condone raising children with the use of coercion and physical assaults. Why do societies in general and parents in particular appear surprised when toddlers, adolescents, teens, young adults and adults continue this parental role-modeling behavior with bullying behavior toward peers or physical assaults against partners?

— Richard L. Davis, President
Family NonViolence, Inc.