perpetrator
Last updatedWhat to know
In a general sense, “perpetrator” refers to anyone who has committed violence, a crime, or another harmful act. In the context of abuse, which this entry will focus on, “perpetrator” refers to the person who engages in abusive behavior. “Offender” is also used in legal contexts, although advocate groups like the Marshall Project discourage its use, calling the term dehumanizing.
While “abuser” is the most common term for a person who engages in abusive behavior, its usage is under debate. Some advocacy organizations urge the use of person-first language (e.g., person who abuses), as calling someone an “abuser” can conflate their identity with their behavior. Individuals can be both abuse perpetrators and victims at different points, so consider whether the phrasing could be read as assigning a seemingly permanent, binary role.
The words we choose to describe abuse can also inadvertently frame the wrongdoing as if it were an action without an actor. Using passive voice (“X was abused” rather than “Y abused X”) can be interpreted as an attempt to protect the perpetrator from blame. Passive voice also risks implying that the victim was partially responsible for their own mistreatment.
Additional resources
- Effective Language (1in6)
Summary
In the context of abuse, the term “perpetrator” refers to someone who misuses their power over another individual to hurt or control them. Some advocacy organizations urge the use of person-first language (e.g., person who abuses), as calling someone an “abuser” can conflate their identity with their behavior. Individuals can be both abuse perpetrators and victims at different points, so consider whether the phrasing could be read as assigning a seemingly permanent, binary role.