Children born from incest can claim compensation: Netherlands

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Children born from incestuous relationships have the right to claim compensation in the Netherlands if they can prove they suffered serious psychological harm, the country’s government said on Monday.

The decision follows a ruling by the top administrative court, the State Council, which ruled in favor of a man whose mother was abused by his grandfather while she was still a minor.

“In light of the ruling… I conclude that children born of incest may… be eligible for compensation if they can demonstrate that they have sustained serious psychological harm,” said junior justice minister Claudia van Bruggen.

The State Council ruled that a child’s right to mental health is “directly violated” by a case of incestuous violent sexual abuse, even before birth.

“The fact that the resulting mental harm may only manifest itself after the birth of the child does not mean that there is no sufficient connection between the crime and the harm,” the State Council ruled.

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