[smudgie]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I think, when limiting family benefits, a rape clause is necessary BUT I don't think expecting a victim to relive the trauma to use benefits they need and are entitled to is not at all right. Rape is not a claim that should be proved for benefits, it's unworkable to do so and a cruel way of limiting the use of benefits that people are entitled to because most women will not feel comfortable going through with reliving their trauma again and they shouldn't be forced to either.

I would be very against having a woman go through reliving the trauma of her rape again to claim the benefit, but if it is a question of ticking a box to say it was reported so it can be checked out then I see no problem.
There has to be some sort of safeguard against fraudulent claims and a report number would seem to be the easiest and less traumatic way forward.
In the case of relationship rape then I think it is fair enough that the rapist should be in no way benefitting from the claim, if your partner thinks it's ok to rape you then you should not stay with him, for the child's sake as much as your own.