Glossary Term – Victim-Survivor

Victim-Survivor: “Victim” is preferred by some because it clearly communicates the harm that was perpetrated. Others prefer “survivor” because it reclaims some of the power that was taken from them and communicates resiliency. Yet others use the term “thriver” to communicate that they have thrived despite the maltreatment they experienced. Some individuals eschew any of these labels and devise others that they prefer. Best practice when referring to specific individuals who have experienced maltreatment is to use the term they prefer, including no term if preferred. Because on a web platform we are unable to defer to individuals’ wishes, we use the hyphenated “victim-survivor,” recognizing that this term does not resonate universally. You might also introduce the language of “someone with lived experience of ___”.