A person who commits an act of violence is commonly called a "violent criminal," "violent offender," or simply an "offender." More specific terms depend on the type of violent act, such as "assailant," "attacker," or "abuser" in the context of domestic or interpersonal violence.
Terminology for Violent Individuals
- Violent criminal/offender: A broad term for anyone who uses or threatens harmful physical force against others; includes killers, robbers, kidnappers, and similar roles.
- Assailant or attacker: Someone who commits assault or physical violence against another person.
- Abuser: In cases of domestic violence or abuse, the person causing harm is often called the abuser.
Legal and Contextual Usage
- The terms can vary based on the act's nature and context; for example, assault, robbery with violence, or homicide each imply various forms of violent offenses.
- In legal contexts, individuals who use violence might also be called perpetrators or offenders.
Thus, the general and most widely applicable term is "violent offender" or "violent criminal" for anyone committing an act of violence against others.
