The term “survivor” is often preferred over “victim” when discussing Domestic Violence because it emphasizes strength, resilience, and empowerment, rather than helplessness or defeat. For many who have experienced abuse, this shift in language is not just a matter of semantics—it’s a powerful way to reclaim their identity and agency and adopt a new perspective on their experience.

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Why Project Call it by Name Uses “Survivor” Instead of “Victim” (and why its important you do too):​

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1. It Can Empower Survivors to Reclaim Control

   • Being called a "victim" can reinforce a sense of powerlessness, keeping one feeling trapped in the role of someone who is continuously harmed. In contrast, the term “survivor” celebrates strength and resilience. It highlights the capacity to endure, overcome, and take steps toward a better future, even in the face of immense challenges.

2. It Can Counter Abuser Manipulation

   • Abusers often manipulate survivors into believing they are perpetual victims who can’t survive on their own or make decisions for themselves. By positioning themselves as the only “protector,” abusers reinforce dependence and keep survivors feeling stuck. Emphasizing that a survivor is a survivor rather than a victim disrupts this narrative, helping them see that they are capable of reclaiming their lives without the abuser.

3. It Can Promote a Narrative of Hope and Recovery

   • The word “victim” focuses on trauma, whereas “survivor” emphasizes the journey beyond the trauma. This shift encourages those affected to see their experiences as part of their story, not the defining aspect of who they are. It’s about moving from being defined by the abuse to being defined by the courage to heal and rebuild.

4. It Encourages Self-Advocacy and Support Seeking

   • Survivors are more likely to seek help, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves when they view themselves as strong individuals who have endured Domestic Abuse rather than as victims. This mindset empowers them to take proactive steps in their healing process, reinforcing that they have the right to safety, respect, and support.

5. It Can Help to Break the Cycle of Shame and Self-Blame

   • Abusers often use shame and guilt as tools to keep survivors feeling undeserving of a better life. Referring to someone as a survivor reduces the stigma and shame associated with abuse, reinforcing the fact that the blame lies solely with the abuser. It validates the survivor’s experience and underscores their right to seek a life free from violence.

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Using the word “survivor” is a deliberate choice that shifts the focus from what was done to the survivor to the strength of the survivor. At the end of the day, it is up to the experiencer of the abuse to determine what they want to be called, but the consensus in the Domestic Violence community is that the word "survivor" is preferred over "victim". It’s a reminder that one is not defined by abuse but by courage, resilience, and the steps that were taken to reclaim one's own life and future.