There are two basic terms people use when describing someone who has been sexually assaulted. The most popular is to identify the assaulted as a ‘victim’ of sexual assault. This follows a logical progression: someone has been victimized, therefore they are now a victim.

There are some people who hold with the idea that you are a victim until you have healed mentally, physically, and emotionally from the assault. In some cases, complete healing could take years. It’s a big step for a survivor to outwardly recognize that they have moved past the stage of being victimized and they are now growing and healing and consider themselves a survivor.

At the DCRCC, we look at it from a different perspective. We believe that if you have ever been assaulted and you have lived to tell the tale, you are a survivor. You have made it past the assault, and you have earned the title of ‘survivor’ rather than the depressing identifier ‘victim’. It takes courage, bravery, and strength to tell your story, and the Center’s mission is to support that journey every step of the way. We start by calling every man, woman, and child who walks through our doors seeking support a survivor, no matter what their story is. 

Being a survivor doesn’t mean you experience fewer episodes of Rape Trauma Syndrome. Being a survivor doesn’t mean you are any less entitled to emotional and physical care. Being a survivor simply means that you are not letting yourself or your life be defined by your assault. 

Identifying as a survivor is a major step in the healing process. Remember, the DCRCC is here to help. If you are in need of counseling resources, please call us at 202.232.0789 and a staff member will be happy to speak with you.