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Prepositions with nouns

Using “victim” with prepositions

“Victim of” is the standard phrase for someone affected by harm or crime. “For the victim” usually means intended to help or support the victim.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use “victim of” to identify what harmed someone: “a victim of fraud.” Use “for the victim” when something is intended to benefit or concern the victim.

She was a victim of identity theft.
Counselling services were provided for the victims after the accident.
He became a victim of misinformation online.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
victim of + harm/crime

Cause of suffering or harm

Use “of” to identify the event, crime, disease, or action affecting the person.

The man was a victim of fraud.
Many residents became victims of the storm.
2
support for + victim

Help or action intended for someone harmed

Use “for” when referring to assistance, services, or feelings directed toward a victim.

The charity offers legal aid for victims of abuse.
A memorial was held for the victims of the fire.
3
victim in + event

Victim connected to a situation

Use “in” to place the victim within a specific event or case.

The first victim in the accident was treated quickly.
Police interviewed every victim in the case.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
victim of
She was a victim of cybercrime.
Standard phrase naming the source of harm.
for the victim
A fund was created for the victim.
Shows support or benefit.
victim for
They chose him as a victim for the scam.
Possible only when “for” belongs to another phrase, not as a fixed combination.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “for” instead of “of” after “victim”

Use “victim of” to name the harm or crime.

✕ He was a victim for robbery. ✓ He was a victim of robbery.

Confusing support with cause

“For the victim” does not describe what harmed the person.

✕ She is a victim for violence. ✓ She is a victim of violence.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He became a victim ___ online fraud.
2. The organization raised money ___ the victims.
3. Police spoke to every victim ___ the incident.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “victim for” ever correct?

It can appear when “for” belongs to another structure, such as “a target for criminals,” but “victim for” is not a normal fixed phrase.

Can I say “victim to”?

Modern English strongly prefers “victim of.” “Victim to” is generally nonstandard.

What nouns commonly follow “victim of”?

Common examples include “crime,” “fraud,” “violence,” “abuse,” and “disease.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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