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Glossary

Definitions used in the National Survey of Victim Service Providers (NSVSP).

Browse glossary terms by category and first letter:

NSVSP Definitions

Definitions used in the National Survey of Victim Service Providers (NSVSP).

AB (no terms)CD (no terms)E (no terms)F (no terms)G (no terms)H (no terms)I (no terms)J (no terms)K (no terms)L (no terms)M (no terms)N (no terms)O (no terms)P (no terms)Q (no terms)R (no terms)ST (no terms)U (no terms)VW (no terms)X (no terms)Y (no terms)Z (no terms)

A

ABUSE

Includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic actions or threats to harm or control another.

C

CRIME

An illegal act, which if done by a competent adult or juvenile, would be a criminal offense.

S

SERVICE

Efforts that…

  • respond to the emotional and physical needs of victims;
  • assist victims with their safety and security;
  • assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice or other legal process;
  • assist victims in stabilizing their lives; or
  • respond to other needs of victims.

V

VICTIM

Any person who has experienced past, ongoing, or suspected crimes and abuse (e.g., crimes that are not reported to law enforcement or not prosecuted). Victims include (1) primary victims (persons directly harmed or threatened by crimes or abuse) and (2) secondary victims (family, friends, or household members of the person who also experienced harm due to a crime).