How is a victim of a crime defined?

A victim of a crime is defined as someone who has been injured, either physically or emotionally, due to that crime. This definition emphasizes the direct impact of the criminal act on the individual, highlighting the personal harm suffered as a result of the criminal behavior. This can include physical injuries like assault or emotional trauma stemming from experiences such as robbery or domestic violence.

Other options, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not accurately capture the definition of a victim. For instance, a witness to a crime may provide valuable information during investigations or trials, but they do not experience the harm resulting from the crime's commission. Similarly, anyone who reports a crime does not necessarily experience any direct injury or loss; they may simply be a concerned observer. Finally, while family members of victims can experience emotional distress and are sometimes considered in victimology, the primary definition focuses on the directly impacted individual.