Which term describes a person who has suffered harm due to a crime?

The term that describes a person who has suffered harm due to a crime is "victim." A victim is someone who has been directly affected by criminal activity, experiencing physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of that crime. This can encompass a wide range of situations, from those who have experienced violent crime to those who have faced theft or fraud.

Understanding this term is crucial in the context of aggressive measures against crime, as recognizing and supporting victims is a fundamental aspect of the legal and law enforcement process. This support can involve providing resources for recovery and ensuring that victims' rights are honored throughout the judicial process.

In contrast, an offender is a person who commits the crime, a witness is someone who observes the crime but is not directly harmed, and a defendant is an individual accused of committing a crime and is facing legal proceedings. Each of these roles holds a different significance within the criminal justice framework, making it essential to clearly delineate between the victim and others involved.