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Introduction
This special issue aims to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of sexual assault kit (SAK) reform and sexual assault response, focusing on the innovations and challenges that are shaping the field. This issue aims to highlight current developments, challenges, and innovations in SAKs across various jurisdictions, countries, and cultures, and to envision what the next decade of reform should look like.
We invite high-quality empirical studies, policy analyses, review articles, and practitioner perspectives. Contributions should have a broad link to criminal psychology. Here is more information about the journal and the topics typically covered (link: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/calls-for-papers/journal-criminal-psychology-call-papers)
List of Topic Areas
- Advancements in testing, and tracking;
- Advancements in forensics and DNA methodologies;
- Changes in investigative and prosecutorial practices;
- Criminal linkages (sexual and nonsexual assaults and crimes);
- Advancements in understanding offender and/or victim behavior;
- Survivor-centered reforms;
- Sexual assault response teams;
- Disparities in access, processing, and outcomes (disparities broadly construed);
- Impacts of legislative mandates; evolving reform efforts;
- Sustainability of reform efforts.
Submissions Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/JCRIMP
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see here: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jcp
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to ““Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Deadlines
Closing date for abstract submission: 15/03/2026
Email for abstract submissions: Rachel Lovell, r.e.lovell@csuohio.edu; Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, jlanghin@charlotte.edu
Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 01/05/2026
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 15/08/2026
Guest Editors
Rachel E. Lovell, Cleveland State University, USA, r.e.lovell@csuohio.edu
Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, University of North Carolina Charlotte, jlanghin@charlotte.edu
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