I recommend a change in Library of Congress Subject Headings from -VICTIMS to -SURVIVORS. Affected subject headings for materials I've cataloged for the Barnard Library Zine Collection include:
ADULT CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS
RAPE VICTIMS
SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS
A blog post at Barnard Well-Woman addresses this topic
Should these women be seen as victims or survivors? International media definitely does a lot of reporting about the growing number of “rape victims” cases in countries in conflict. Do these titles become a new identity for these women? What are the effects of calling a woman a “rape victim” rather than a “rape survivor”? According to Dr. Luhiri, calling women who have been raped “rape victims” can be counterproductive when they are trying to go back to a normal life and regain physical and psychological stability. “Rape victims” suggests that these women have not been taken care of and their lives have stopped after being raped. “Rape survivors” have taken control of their lives again and have the ability to live normal lives within their communities.
Comments
amandamouse (not verified)
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 5:34pm
Permalink
I think there is a
I think there is a difference between victim and survivor, sounds like you do, too. So more, not change, no?
jenna
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:44pm
Permalink
Amanda, you're right,
Amanda, you're right, because at the very least, not everyone survives.