Children born of incest can seek Dutch compensation

Children born from incestuous relationships in the Netherlands may be eligible for compensation if they can prove serious psychological harm, the Dutch government said on November 2.

The decision follows a ruling by the State Council, the country's top administrative court, in favour of a man whose mother was abused by his grandfather while she was still a minor.

Junior justice minister Claudia van Bruggen said children born of incest may qualify for compensation if they can show they suffered serious psychological harm.

The State Council ruled that a child's right to mental health is directly violated by incestuous violent sexual abuse, even before birth. It said harm that becomes visible only after birth can still be sufficiently connected to the crime.

The court ordered that the man receive compensation within 12 weeks.