Survivor:

 To carry on despite hardships or trauma; persevere

 To remain functional or usable

Women involved in the sex trade are survivors, first and foremost. They should not be identified, or defined, as victims. Have they experienced victimization? Yes. But they have also survived it.  Therefore, if you must engage in definitive labels to draw attention to the reality that prostitution is in fact violence against women then do so in a way that honors the strength and dignity of those whom you aim to defend.I, for one, do not ever want to be known or remembered as a victim. I have never been a victim. I have always been, and still am, a survivor…a survivor of victimization.