Glossary of Survivor Support & Victim Advocacy Terms

This glossary explains common terms used in survivor support, victim advocacy, trauma-informed care, legal advocacy, and healing-centered services.

Advocate

A trained person who helps someone after violence, abuse, or trauma. Advocates explain options, offer emotional support, and connect people to services and resources.

Confidentiality

Keeping someone’s personal information private and protected. Information is only shared when the person gives permission or when the law requires it.

Crisis support

Immediate help for someone going through a dangerous, stressful, or overwhelming situation. Crisis support may include emotional support, safety planning, or help finding emergency resources. Advocates can provide this.

Crime victims’ rights

Legal rights and protections for people affected by crime. These rights may include being informed about court dates, asking for protection, sharing a victim impact statement, and getting support services. Under federal law, victims have rights under a law called the “Crime Victims’ Rights Act,” and in DC, victims have rights under the “Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights.”

Ecosystem of restoration

In a restorative ecosystem, systems—including schools, hospitals, and the justice system—support survivors and prevent trauma by addressing the root causes of crime.

Healing-centered

An approach that focuses on a person’s strengths, culture, relationships, and overall well-being. Healing-centered support helps people grow, recover, and feel connected.

Legal advocacy

Support that helps someone understand their legal rights and court processes. Legal advocates may help with paperwork, explain options, or attend meetings and court hearings for support.

Mandated reporting

A law that requires certain workers, such as teachers or counselors, to report suspected abuse or neglect. Rules about reporting can be different depending on the state and situation. You can always ask if the person you’re speaking to is a mandated reporter before sharing anything.

Protective order

A court order that helps protect someone from abuse, threats, stalking, or violence. It may require another person to stop contacting or coming near them.

Restorative justice

An approach that focuses on healing and repairing harm instead of focusing on punishment. It may involve open conversations, accountability, and community support.

Safety planning

Making a step-by-step plan to help someone stay safe during or after a dangerous situation. A safety plan may include emergency contacts, safe places, and ways to get help quickly.

Survivor

A person who has lived through violence, abuse, trauma, or another harmful experience. Some people prefer the word “survivor” because it focuses on strength and healing.

Survivor-defined justice

Survivor-defined justice is the pursuit of healing and justice done completely on a survivor’s terms. Choice and agency remains with the survivor, with all tools and pathways reflecting their unique experience.

Trauma-informed

An approach that understands how trauma can affect a person’s feelings, behavior, and health. Trauma-informed care focuses on safety, trust, respect, and avoiding further harm.

Victim services

Programs and support for people affected by crime, violence, or trauma. Services may include counseling, advocacy, legal help, emergency support, or safety planning.