Which term describes a person who has been sexually assaulted?

The term that describes a person who has been sexually assaulted is "victim." This designation is used to acknowledge the individual who has experienced harm or wrongdoing as a result of a criminal act, such as sexual assault. In legal and support contexts, referring to someone as a victim recognizes not only the trauma they have endured but also their need for appropriate care, resources, and rights throughout the recovery process and any subsequent legal proceedings.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings. A witness refers to someone who has seen or can provide information about an event, typically used in legal situations to provide evidence. The subject may refer to an individual involved in a scenario, such as a person under investigation or a research focus, but does not specifically indicate a person harmed by an act. A defendant is a person being accused or sued in a court of law, fundamentally different from someone who has suffered an assault. Understanding these distinctions is important when discussing sensitive topics like sexual violence and the corresponding terminology that supports survivors.