From victim to survivor to overcomer

Abstract

The literature is rich with definitions of Victims from different standpoints and theoretical perspective (Ben-David, 2000); in addition, both theoretical and empirical studies discuss the variety of feelings of individuals who have been subjected to uncontrollable, adverse events, such as criminal acts, accidents, terror acts and wars. Acknowledgment of the severe outcome of such events have resulted in a variety of programs and agencies, that offer certain rights, support and assistances. A key factor in the willingness to remain in the role of a Victim is that this role or title is associated with assortments of rights including economical support and other initial benefits such as medical care and security. To gain these benefits a person must be accredited and labeled as a Victim. However, such benefits can provide negative outcomes for that individual. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between self-identity of a Victim and that of an Overcomer. It also describes and explains the mechanism whereby the Victim becomes fixated with the Victim’s self-identity that hinders the development of an Overcomer self-identity. Moreover, it will discuss the development and benefits of Survivor self-identity.