Sacrificial Shadows: Exploring the Origins of Victimhood

Historically, the Latin term victima was used to describe animals or humans whose lives were destined to be sacrificed as an offering to a divinity. This was generally in relation to a religious ceremony, with females the preferred sacrifice for certain goddesses.

The word victima was not used to suggest pain, suffering, or loss. Rather, it suggested a sacrificial role, preferably the result of consent; fear and panic from the intended sacrifice were regarded as bad omens (see generally Green, 2001).