Listening to a podcast channel, I was prompted to reconsider a long-held belief – should people who have suffered sexual violence be called 'survivors' instead of 'victims'?  
As someone who has experienced child sexual abuse and later studied the subject, I resonated with the idea of 'survivor' being a better term. As a student, I understood the argument about how the term 'survivor' conveys strength and dignity, offering a more empowering identity than the limiting term 'victim,' which often focuses solely on the suffering aspect of the abuse.  
However, my perspective transformed as I delved deeper into the podcast discussions. I came to realize that this choice of terminology is not so clear-cut. It can be subjective and dependent on the individual's experience. While 'survivor' might aptly describe those who emerge powerfully from their traumatic experiences, it may not fit everyone's journey. This realization led me to question who decides if a person has triumphed over their trauma powerfully. I began to reflect on our socio-cultural setup and the lack of statistical data that hinders our understanding of these nuances. 
I found myself grappling with another critical aspect – agency and resources. Overcoming trauma and becoming a survivor is not solely a matter of personal strength; it is also influenced by access to resources and support. This raised concerns about society's response to sexual violence cases, with some media houses trivializing these experiences using inverted commas. It made me question whether our culture genuinely believes in validating people's experiences and supporting them in their healing process. 
As I continued my introspective journey, I encountered an enlightening realization about my experience. Initially, I embraced the term 'survivor' for its empowering effect, only to later acknowledge that it overshadowed the profound effects of my trauma. I understood that recognizing my victimization was essential to be kinder to myself and seeking the support I needed. This revelation highlighted language's immense impact on our psychological well-being. It demonstrated the power of self-awareness in the healing journey. 
Today, I proudly embrace my identity beyond the confines of abuse. My name is Namrata, and I am not defined solely by the abuse I lived through and overcame. I acknowledge the strength of being a survivor and the importance of recognizing my victimized part. Through this understanding, I have found a more authentic path to healing and self-empowerment. 
As a professional in this field, I believe organizations and experts must create awareness around the potential impact of language on survivors. Rather than imposing labels on them, our responsibility lies in bridging the gaps in access to information and resources. Doing so can empower survivors to choose how they want to be addressed – whether as a victim, survivor or by their name. 
In conclusion, language holds tremendous power and profoundly affects our psychology. Merely changing terms may not be enough to break the cycle of abuse. Instead, let us foster a culture of empathy, support, and understanding, allowing survivors to reclaim their identities on their terms. Through such a compassionate approach, we can genuinely facilitate healing and empower survivors to transcend the limitations of their past experiences. 
 
This post represents the author's personal views and experiences. iDare doesn't endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.   
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