#Rapeclause: Abuse survivors must do extra paperwork to claim benefits for ‘non-consensual’ children

Britain’s Conservative government has ruled that victims of rape must fill out a specific form in order to claim child tax credits and Universal Credit from the government, provoking public outrage.

The NCC1 4/17 form, also known as the “rape-clause,” follows a series of welfare changes limiting child tax credit claims to two children. Exemptions are given to children conceived “without consent.”

“The #rapeclause really is one of the most disgraceful policies ever introduced. We must all continue to oppose,” tweeted Scottish First Minister and Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon.

The move is being introduced as part of the Welfare Reform and Work Act, which was unveiled in the 2015 summer budget and will come into force this month.

Civil servants will be made to assess whether a woman’s claim that her child was conceived as a result of abuse is legitimate or not.

While women may be expected to prove the veracity of their claim, many have argued that around 600,000 doctors, nurses and social workers in Britain lack the skills needed to exercise the assessment.

“Capping benefits at two children is immoral enough, but the #rapeclause is disgraceful for a civilised country. Both policies must go,” the editor of the Liberal Democrat Voice website Caron Lindsay wrote on Twitter.

read more here: https://www.rt.com/uk/383731-rape-clause-child-benefits/

horrific treatment of a rape victim by UK government’s disability assessment system

I went for my Atos assessment with the full support of my GP, I went and had a complete meltdown in the Ayr office reception area, only to be taken in and told that they can’t do my assessment due to my condition at that moment, they were told by my Carers that this is my normal everyday condition and this was a good day for me. They were approached and told they cannot assess me in this condition and I would have to attend another Assessment in due course. This is my fourth attempt at an interview and the same thing happens at every point, and still they push me. Supposedly being Raped by Multiple people and not knowing you were pregnant is a good thing, according to ATOS I accepted the pregnancy, so therefore, I carried it on to become a fully formed registered child, this was only one of the questions I was asked, along with who is the father of your son and why have I not asked for Child Support, I tried my best to explain the situation or what had happened, but was told it was “Solvable”. I now I have to go back for yet another ATOS appointment on the 19th and explain myself and my health again…I am not proud of my scars, my forever body markings and the memories I have,

….I am being made to attend another ATOS assessment at the Ayr Office on the 19th although a quiet/less busy appoint was asked for by their own staff member a letter stating that I was be there at to 1.25pm (their busiest time) arrived at my door.

(comment) Atos didnt question me about my rape that triggered off my mental health, but at an appeal last october, the tribunal panel and the dwp representative asked awful questions, made me cry and then laughed at me. I do sympathise with you, but you are better than them, hold your head high xx

(comment) disgusting! it upset my hubby when ATOS staff asked him why we didn’t abort our 2 year old son (he was told he could not father a child but we concieved after 5 yrs and 2 misscarriages) knowing he wouldn’t be able to fullfill his fatherly duties due to his dis abilities but this ^^^ is SICK! Chin up sweetie you’ve been through so much you can fight these sickos, go bk to France ATOSSERS!!!

(comment) They did a similar thing to a survivor of the Rwandan holocaust, she’s in a wheelchair and has machete scars all over her body, can barely speak English. They gave her zero points.

(comment) Unfortunatley your just a customer to atos. A number in a file of many.
No compassion, no fairness from them, just another day in the office.
Id really like to have a rant in disgust about your case but it really wouldnt help you.

This may though.
Your situation is based on a criminal attack. Everything there-after is a direct result.
You are not just fighting Atos, youre fighting for your right as a victim.
Contact you MP, explain as you have here and ask for the appropriate legal help which is there for you.

Also contact your regional rape crises centre, the police will tell you your nearest. The guys there will help all they can, not just with your case againts Atos, but with your mental state of mind too. There is no question whats happening with your case that the actions of Atos are illegal as they are trying you for a crime where you are the victim.

You have survived a great deal and although these idiots are pushing the very limits YOU REMAIN A SURVIVOR x
Let the legal system fight this battle for you, you have fought enough x

From the facebook page ‘Atos MIracles’ 3rd August 2013.