Conviction
A finding of guilt of a criminal offence by a court of law.
Perpetrator
Someone who has carried out a harmful or illegal act, such as rape. This term is not
related to criminal proceedings.
Victim and/or survivor
A victim is a person who is subject to inappropriate or unlawful conduct. It is a
technically accurate term and is used particularly in legal documents and legal speak.
However, usage of the term can suggest powerlessness on the part of those who have
experienced sexual violence and may also promote focus on the person who has
experienced the violence as opposed to the perpetrator. The term survivor is a more
empowering term and is often used by campaigners and activists seeking to end
violence and those working to support those who have experienced it.
For the purposes of this report, victim/survi