The Dutch government said children born of incest may be eligible for compensation, following a top court ruling in favour of a man abused through his mother.

THE HAGUE: 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 favour 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.