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The terms “victim” and “survivor” are both used to describe someone who has experienced domestic or sexual violence. For the most part, the terms are interchangeable and mean the same thing, but there are a few considerations to make before using one term or the other.

Some people prefer the term “victim” because it conveys that a crime was committed against them. “Victim” may also be the more appropriate term to use in cases of domestic violence homicide, as not everyone survives the violence. NDDSVC uses both “victim” and “survivor”, but we typically use “victim” whenever referencing a specific crime, legal information, or the legal system.

Some people prefer the term “survivor” because it conveys strength and healing beyond the violence that they experienced. Some people find “survivor” to be more empowering and feel that communicates that while they experienced a crime, they overcame that crime in some way.

If you are working with a victim/survivor, use whichever term they use to describe themselves, or respectfully ask their preference if they do not say one or the other.

“Domestic violence” is sometimes referred to as “intimate partner violence.” The terms can be used interchangeably to describe a pattern of behaviors and abusive tactics used by an intimate partner or ex-partner to gain complete power and control over a person’s life.

Some people prefer to use the term “intimate partner violence” or “IPV” as it can feel more inclusive and more clearly communicates that violence can happen in any romantic relationship, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or “formal” relationship status. Others prefer the term “domestic violence” or “DV” as it is more commonly used and understood. “Domestic violence” is typically what is used across the legal system, so it can also be beneficial to use “domestic violence” to remain consistent with other systems and agencies.

“Dating violence” can also be used to describe a pattern of behaviors and abusive tactics used used to exert power and control over a dating partner. We typically use the term “dating violence” to refer to teen or youth relationships and “domestic violence” when referring to adult relationships.

“Sexual violence” is an all-encompassing term used to describe any type of unwanted, forced, or coerced sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. Sexual violence includes any kind of sexual assault, abuse, or harassment.

Sexual assault is a form of sexual violence. “Sexual assault” is similar to “sexual violence” in that it refers to sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. However, sexual assault is more specific in that it refers to physical acts and sexual contact that happen without consent. “Sexual violence” encompasses both physical and nonphysical sexual contact that happens without consent, such as sexual harassment and nonconsensual intimate image sharing.

Forms of sexual assault include:

• Rape or attempted rape
• Unwanted touching (groping, fondling, forced kissing, etc.)
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
  

We typically use “sexual violence” to talk about the topic broadly and “sexual assault” when referring to a specific crime.

“Rape” and “sexual assault” are sometimes used interchangeably. Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. The term “rape” is most often used refer to sexual penetration without consent. The FBI defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” We say that not all sexual assault is rape because sexual assault can occur without penetration (ex. unwanted touching).