England and Wales will be amongst the first countries in the world to enshrine in law that children born of rape should be treated as victims in their own right.

Under previous law, it was unnecessarily difficult for an individual born of rape to claim support and entitlements, including at times information about their own cases. 

Following feedback from victims legislation has been amended to increase the accountability of agencies who provide services to victims and it introduces a new duty on the CPS to meet victims in certain cases before trial. 

No child born in these circumstances should be left to suffer on their own, these changes to the Victims Bill will boost support at every stage of the justice system. 

Therapy and counselling sessions will be easier to access, so will advocacy services, including those for drug and alcohol misuse.  Guidance will also be provided on benefits at an earlier stage, as well as on accessing education and housing assistance. No matter the age of the victim the support will be there.  All sexual offences which result in pregnancy are also covered.

The Government will continue to review victims services to see where further improvements can be made.