i liked what chaotic said.
jme, i believe a victim can become a survivor. if one stays a victim or chooses to remain a victim then there is no healing or growth emerging out of a horrible event. the power still lies with the violator.
i believe a survivor acknowleges that they were victimized but elect to do an action towards healing and emergence towards emotional growth.
my added definition in no way minimizes a victim. those of us who have been victims and become survivors understand that, i believe.
i'd even like to add one more term in the order:
i was a victim.
i became a survivor.
i am no longer just surviving, but i am living my new life. 
__________________
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle.
The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours..~Ayn Rand
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