Children conceived as a result of rape will soon be recognised as victims of crime in England and Wales, the government has announced.
The move comes after people shared their stories of being born to mothers who were raped and explained why they refuse to let the past dictate their lives in a new documentary.
Tasnim, whose mother was a victim of child sexual exploitation, is one of those people. In the documentary, Tasnim spoke candidly about her own experience.
“I was conceived by rape. My mom was a victim of child sexual exploitation and was groomed by my father, and I think it’s incredible that she even decided to keep me. I don’t think I could ever look at that child without thinking about all the abuse.
“She was 15 when she had me. He was 10 years older than her. He then murdered my mother. He set fire to the house. My dad did, but he took me out of the house before he did that, and so I survived.”
Tasnim’s story is heart-wrenching, but unfortunately, it is not unique. There are many other children who have been conceived as a result of rape, and they often suffer from the stigma and shame associated with their conception.
Under current law, children conceived through rape are not recognised as victims of crime. However, the government has pledged to change this.
“We want to ensure that all victims of crime, including those conceived through rape, receive the recognition and support they deserve,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice.
Tasnim believes that speaking out about her experience is important, not just for herself but for others in similar situations. “I think that anyone that has been conceived by rape should definitely speak up about it,” she said. “It’s such a taboo subject, and I suppose people feel like they’ll be judged, but there are people that will listen. You don’t have to always feel so sad.”
The government’s decision to recognise children conceived through rape as victims of crime is a positive step towards addressing the stigma and shame that they often face.
Hopefully, it will lead to better support and understanding for these children and their families, and help to break down the taboos that surround this difficult and sensitive issue.
