Mouse,

I believe that there are different "things" that people get from identifying themselves as victims.

In the same vein there are different views/definitions of the word "victim."

If we have been abused it is important to acknowledge that abuse so we can integrate that experience into our personality. That makes us a victim during some part of the process.

However, once integrated we can move beyond that experience, knowing that victim is only a small part of who we are. I think that sometimes the experiences are so overwhelming/frequent, or intense that it's difficult for people to see the other parts of themselves and so they wind up defining themselves by this one part of their experience. This can be particularly true if that definition brings some much-needed attention and care.

Whew.

Take gentle care.