Victim vs. Perpetrator — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
A victim is someone who suffers harm or loss due to someone else's actions, while a perpetrator is the person who commits the harmful act.
Difference Between Victim and Perpetrator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A victim is an individual who experiences harm or injury, often due to another's actions. This harm can be physical, emotional, or financial, stemming from accidents, crimes, or natural disasters. On the other hand, a perpetrator is the individual responsible for causing harm or committing a crime. Their actions directly result in the victim's suffering.
In legal contexts, victims are those who endure the consequences of criminal activities, requiring protection and support. Perpetrators are the accused or convicted individuals who have violated laws and face legal consequences. The judicial system focuses on delivering justice for victims while prosecuting perpetrators.
Victims often require assistance and rehabilitation to recover from their trauma. Various organizations and support systems are in place to help them rebuild their lives. Perpetrators, however, undergo legal proceedings and, if found guilty, may face penalties such as imprisonment or fines, reflecting their accountability.
Emotionally, victims may experience fear, anger, or helplessness due to their ordeal. Perpetrators, on the other hand, may deal with guilt, remorse, or sometimes denial of their actions. Both roles can significantly impact the individuals' mental health and societal perception.
The societal view of victims generally involves empathy and support, recognizing their suffering and need for justice. Conversely, perpetrators are often stigmatized and viewed negatively, as their actions disrupt societal norms and cause harm.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Suffers harm or loss
Commits the harmful act
Role in Crime
Endures the consequences
Causes the harm
Legal Standing
Requires protection and support
Faces prosecution and penalties
Emotional Impact
Experiences fear, anger, helplessness
May feel guilt, remorse, or denial
Societal View
Receives empathy and support
Often stigmatized and viewed negatively
Compare with Definitions
Victim
Someone affected by a negative event.
The flood victims received aid from various organizations.
Perpetrator
A person who instigates an illegal act.
The perpetrator planned the break-in for weeks.
Victim
A person deceived or cheated.
She was a victim of a financial scam.
Perpetrator
Someone who violates rules or laws.
The perpetrator faced heavy fines for environmental violations.
Victim
A person harmed or injured.
The victim of the robbery was shaken but unharmed.
Perpetrator
A person who commits a crime.
The perpetrator of the theft was caught on camera.
Victim
Someone who endures a misfortune.
The accident victim was quickly taken to the hospital.
Perpetrator
An individual accused of wrongdoing.
The court convicted the perpetrator of fraud.
Victim
One who is harmed or killed by another, especially by someone committing a criminal or unlawful act
A victim of a mugging.
Perpetrator
Someone who performs a harmful act.
Police arrested the perpetrator responsible for the assault.
Victim
A living creature slain and offered as a sacrifice during a religious rite.
Perpetrator
To be responsible for; commit
Perpetrate a crime.
Perpetrate a practical joke.
Victim
One who is harmed by or made to suffer under a circumstance or condition
Victims of war.
Victims of an epidemic.
Victims of poverty.
Perpetrator
One who perpetrates; especially, one who commits an offence or crime.
Victim
A person who is tricked, swindled, or taken advantage of
The victim of a cruel hoax.
Perpetrator
One who perpetrates; esp., one who commits an offense or crime.
Victim
One that is harmed—killed, injured, subjected to oppression, deceived, or otherwise adversely affected—by someone or something, especially another person or event, force, or condition; in particular:
The youngest victims of the brutal war
Victim of a bad decision by a rushed and overworked judge
Perpetrator
Someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
Victim
One who is harmed or killed by a crime or scam.
Victims of assault; the murderer's victims
Became another victim of the latest scam
Victim
One who is harmed or killed by an accident or illness.
A fundraiser for victims of AIDS; a victim of a car crash
Victim
One who is harmed or killed as a result of other people's biases, emotions or incompetence, or their own.
A victim of his own pride; a victim of her own incompetence
The newcomer never managed to make friends, a victim of the town's deep distrust of outsiders
A victim of sexism; victims of a racist system
Victim
One who is harmed or killed as a result of a natural or man-made disaster or impersonal condition.
Relief efforts to help victims of the hurricane
Victim of an optical illusion; victim of a string of bad luck
Local businesses were the main victims of the economic downturn
Victim
A living being which is slain and offered as a sacrifice, usually in a religious rite.
Victim
The transfigured body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
Victim
A living being sacrificed to some deity, or in the performance of a religious rite; a creature immolated, or made an offering of.
Led like a victim, to my death I'll go.
Victim
A person or thing destroyed or sacrificed in the pursuit of an object, or in gratification of a passion; as, a victim to jealousy, lust, or ambition.
Victim
A person or living creature destroyed by, or suffering grievous injury from, another, from fortune or from accident; as, the victim of a defaulter; the victim of a railroad accident.
Victim
Hence, one who is duped, or cheated; a dupe; a gull.
Victim
An unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
Victim
A person who is tricked or swindled
Victim
An individual targeted for mistreatment.
He felt like a victim of bullying at school.
Common Curiosities
Who is considered a perpetrator?
The person who commits a harmful act or crime.
Can someone be both a victim and a perpetrator?
Yes, in complex situations, an individual may experience harm while also causing harm.
How are perpetrators punished?
Perpetrators face legal penalties, such as imprisonment, fines, or community service.
What is a victim?
A person who suffers harm or loss due to another's actions.
What support do victims receive?
Victims often receive legal, emotional, and financial support from various organizations.
Are perpetrators always aware of their wrongdoing?
Not always; some may deny or justify their actions.
Do victims always testify in court?
Often, but not always; some cases proceed with other evidence.
What rights do victims have?
Rights to protection, compensation, and participation in legal proceedings.
Is forgiveness possible between victim and perpetrator?
Sometimes, through restorative justice and personal choice.
Can perpetrators change their ways?
Yes, through rehabilitation and restorative justice programs.
How does society view victims?
Generally with empathy and a desire to provide support.
How does society treat perpetrators?
Often with stigma and a focus on accountability.
What legal protections exist for victims?
Laws ensuring their safety, rights to restitution, and participation in legal processes.
How do victims cope with trauma?
Through counseling, support groups, and personal resilience.
What motivates perpetrators?
Various factors, including personal gain, emotions, or psychological issues.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
