Boycott of benefits ‘rape clause’ starts in Dundee

WELFARE: ‘Brutal’ UK policy also sees larger families facing cuts to tax credits

Women’s charities in Tayside have started a boycott of a “cruel” policy which requires rape victims to recount their ordeal to claim benefits.

Mums will have their tax credits capped at two children under Conservative welfare reforms – unless they can prove that further offspring were a result of rape.

The SNP says that on top of the “brutal” treatment of sex attack survivors, the two-child restriction will hammer “just about managing” families, who will have their in-work benefits stripped back.

The so-called rape clause, which came into force yesterday as part of new restrictions on welfare entitlement, relies on charities such as Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid verifying that a client was raped.

It has led to Dundee organisations “refusing to collude” with the UK Government’s policy, which they say will “fundamentally change the relationship between vulnerable women and those working to support them”.

Mary Miller, from Dundee Women’s Aid, said: “Rape or coercion within a relationship can result in women being severely traumatised and we will not risk damaging the therapeutic relationship we have in supporting these vulnerable women. We condemn this policy.”

Sinead Daly, manager of the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Dundee and Angus, said: “We are appalled by the dangerous and inhumane policy attached to the UK Government’s child tax credit system’s so called ‘rape clause’, which will cause an additional burden and add to the trauma of survivors of rape and sexual violence,” she said.

Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP, said the rape clause, also known as the non-consensual conception exception, is a “vile policy in total chaos”.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said the exception is “crucial to protect women who are faced with very difficult circumstances”.

“This reform ensures people on benefits have to make the same choices as those supporting themselves solely through work,” she added.

“But we have always been clear this it will be delivered in the most effective, compassionate way, with the right exceptions and safeguards are in place.”