For many people, Victim is the word that best describes their experience of abuse, whether they have been abused in the past or are still experiencing it. People who are victims of violence, crime, or human rights violations can be helped through national laws, which should include restitution and compensation, as well as necessary material, medical, psychological, and social assistance and support.

However, some individuals who have experienced abuse do not want to be labelled as a victim. Being a victim, in their eyes, can be disempowering and can make them feel less than. It can also imply that they are helpless or passive, which does not reflect the reality of their experiences.

It can also reinforce unhealthy coping mechanisms. People with a victim mentality often play the “poor me” card, constantly complaining about their situation or blaming others for their problems. They avoid taking risks, as they believe life is against them. Using a victim mentality can satisfy unconscious needs such as sympathy, attention, or access to medication or money. It can also prevent a person from seeking out healthy, alternative coping methods and developing a more positive view of themselves.

The term survivor is a more empowering choice, as it focuses on the individual’s strength, resilience, and ability to overcome the trauma they have experienced. It can also help professionals to highlight a person’s capacity to heal, even if the recovery process is ongoing. This is particularly important when dealing with children who have experienced abuse, as they may not yet understand or realise that their identity is not fixed and that they can move beyond the abusive situations they have been exposed to.