1.6. Note on Language: Victims or Survivors?

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The terms used to describe individuals who have experienced trafficking in persons vary, not only between agencies but also between individuals. There is no single settled term used to describe those who have been subjected to trafficking.

While the law tends to identify those who have been subjected to a crime as ‘victims’, this language has been criticised as disempowering of those individuals. The term ‘survivor’ is preferred by many in describing those who have experienced situations of trafficking. However, not all those that have lived experience of trafficking in persons identify as survivors and it may not apply to those who remain in exploitative situations.

Remember These Guidelines predominantly relate to individuals who have experienced and exited situations of trafficking. The term ‘survivor’ is therefore employed throughout the NGCS as the dominant language. The term ‘victim’ is used only when discussing particular legal obligations and frameworks that relate to ‘victims’ in the relevant legal sense.

This may not be the preferred terminology of some individuals. In all cases, a trauma-informed approach calls for consideration of the wishes and best interests of the individual survivor, and support providers should adapt language accordingly.

1.6. Note on Language: Victims or Survivors?

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