Load low-bandwidth site?
Help

Glossary English

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.

The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.

The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.

The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.

V

victim

A person who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. The term ‘victim’ has protective implications, as it implies an injustice which requires redress. The term ‘survivor’ implies strength, resilience, and the capacity to survive. Individuals who have experienced abuse or harm may choose different terms to describe their experience.
Related terms: survivor
Show translations
Hide translations

violence

The intentional use of physical force of power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.
Show translations
Hide translations