What term is generally used in legal contexts to refer to individuals affected by crimes?

In legal contexts, the term "victim" is commonly used to refer to individuals who have been directly affected by a crime. This designation acknowledges the person’s experience of suffering or harm as a result of criminal activity. The term conveys a clear understanding of their role in the criminal justice system, emphasizing that they have been subjected to an act of violence, theft, or other offenses that have caused them pain or loss.

This terminology is significant not only for legal proceedings but also for victim's rights advocacy, which aims to provide support and protection to those who have experienced crime. Recognizing someone as a victim helps in ensuring that their experiences are taken into account during investigations and legal processes and can guide how support services are offered.

The other terms listed, while related to the context of a crime, refer to different roles. Survivors typically denote individuals who have endured trauma but are often used in the context of recovery, especially in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault. Witnesses are individuals who observe a crime or have knowledge about it, but they are not directly harmed by the act. Defendants are those accused of committing a crime and are not linked to the state of being affected by it. Thus, "victim" is the most appropriate term