There is overwhelming public support for legislative changes to remove the defence of “reasonable chastisement” for parents who physically punish their child, a survey has found.

Research commissioned by Koulla Yiasouma, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, shows that 63 per cent of people back a change in the law.

The survey, carried out by Kantar Millward Brown, also found 67 per cent of people are unaware of the “reasonable chastisement” defence.

Ms Yiasouma said: “Removing the defence of reasonable chastisement would allow Northern Ireland to join with 52 countries around the world which have moved to protect children from violence. Evidence suggests that protecting children has not led to increased prosecutions as feared by some. Rather, equal protection for children in the law should result in clearer guidance and better support for parents and families.”

She added: “100 years ago, it was legal for men to hit their wife, pet and child. We have made positive moves on abuse and violence against adults in their homes but we have yet to move to make this type of assault on children illegal. The vulnerability of children requires more, not less protection from any form of assault.

“We have nothing to fear and everything to gain from a change in the law, it will be about applying a law already in place for adults to children, a law that our authorities already know and work within.

“Government must protect children from assault by giving them more not less protection in the law - they deserve equal protection with adults. Government also needs to renew its efforts to provide parents in Northern Ireland with more support on ‘positive parenting’.”