afflicted with, suffers from, victim of

When discussing diseases or conditions, avoid using afflicted with, stricken with, suffers from or victim of. Instead, use living with or diagnosed with, as appropriate.

Victim of crime is an ICD diagnosis and is appropriate to use in when discussing such the medical diagnosis, but preferable language surrounding persons who have experienced crime is survivor of.

Victim is also used in legal terminology, and may be discussed in that context when discussing a murder victim, a rape victim, or an unnamed victim represented whose case is brought by the state (meaning the prosecution). However, outside the legal terminology, again, defer to humanistic terms such as survivor of.

← Return to Chapter A

User feedback survey

Please take a moment to tell use how you use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide.

Open survey
How I describe my profession. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

Where I work. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

How I use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

How often I use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide. (Required)

Select only one.

Other guides I use. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

The information given within the Feedback Form will be used for service improvement only and are strictly confidential.

Thank you for your participation!

Didn’t find what you need?

Try searching the Style and Accessibility Guide in the box below

Donations build this guide

The Style and Accessibility Guide is built, maintained and free to use because people like you have generously donated to this project. Consider giving $5 a month — or any amount you choose.