Rape clause: Women expected to ‘prove’ rape to receive tax relief

There has been considerable backlash in the UK this week following the introduction of tax regulations which require women to prove they were raped in order to receive child benefits.

The new regulation limits tax credits to the first two children unless the child was the result of a rape.

The policy has been widely condemned, with UK MP Alison Thewliss saying: "From today women will need to prove that their child was conceived as a result of rape – just in order to claim tax credits."

"It is one of the most appalling, disgraceful and demeaning policies ever to emanate from Whitehall and should never have seen the light of day, let alone the statute books."

Women who wish to seek tax relief are obliged to complete a form which explains that 'eligible women' must 'provide evidence of a conviction for rape or controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, where this relates to the conception of your child.'

Unsurprisingly, social media has been awash with posts protesting the move, with members of the public highlighting the devastating impact the requirement is likely to have on a mother and rape survivor.

 

 

 

 

 

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