Repugnant way to treat victims

Sir, - Like many, I found the introduction of the so-called rape clause horrifically cruel and immoral, a truly damning indictment on the direction in which the UK Government is currently heading.

The policy came into force as part of welfare reforms limiting claims for child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children.

An exemption requires rape victims to prove their third child was born as a result of nonconsensual sex or while in a coercive relationship in order to claim tax credits.

The impact of rape on a woman is truly devastating, no more so than on her mental health, and the way in which this rape clause is to be administered will cause significant psychological harm.

Given that a major reason that survivors of rape do not come forward is a legitimate fear of not being believed, it is unhelpful that the new process will ask women to provide evidence to support their claim.

It forces women to disclose details of their history to professionals for administrative reasons.

This may cause flashbacks, renewed shame and emotional turmoil, and consequently affect how mothers bond with their children.

For those children and adults who have been born of rape, finding this out and managing the identity crisis it can carry significant psychological risks.

To force mothers to remember the circumstances of conception for administrative reasons is unethical and potentially damaging to both the mother and the child, who is ultimately denied a right to privacy.

This is a morally repugnant and barbaric policy and one can only plead with the UK Government to rethink its approach on this vile clause.

Alex Orr. Flat 2, 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.

The impact of rape on a woman is truly devastating, no more so than on her mental health, and the way in which this rape clause is to be administered will cause significant psychological harm