Perpetrator
Someone who has committed an act along the spectrum of violence. Other terms used in administrative, legal, and social settings might include rapist, defendant, accused, abuser, offender, respondent, or, less commonly, stalker, harasser, etc. Survivors have the right to use the language they feel most comfortable with. Because “perpetrator” has negative social connotations, a survivor might prefer the term “person who caused harm” or “someone engaging in harmful behaviors.”
Source | Harvard University Office of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
