News

Our statement on the two-child policy on child tax credits and the rape clause

The two-child policy for accessing child tax credits is cruel and forces families into poverty, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis. It is appalling that the same policy forces survivors of sexual violence to disclose rape to access essential benefits for themselves and their families. Nobody should be forced to disclose sexual violence to access welfare.

Rape Crisis services have been asked to assist with putting this policy into practice in the past. Rape Crisis Scotland will never be a party to this policy by acting as third-party referrers.

We hope politicians will show bold leadership and stand against this cruel and punitive policy.