Research assistant professor Rachel Lovell and UNC Charlotte colleague Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling are under contract with Routledge Press to pull together contributions for a new book to be completed in January 2022.
The edited monograph will explore the current state of knowledge related to untested rape kits and survivors and perpetrators, and document fundamental and necessary changes in how societal systems respond to rape. In doing so, the monograph will provide an opportunity to learn from our past, highlight what we could do differently now, and envision a better future for survivors of sexual violence and those tasked with ensuring justice.
This will be the first monograph to address the most critical topics related to sexual assault and untested kits, bringing together leading U.S. scholars and practitioners located in diverse initiatives.
Lovell is seeking contributors on the following topics:
Note: Not all chapters will be specific to the SAK initiative. Some will be focused on sexual assault in general, as indicated below.
- Changing what we know about case attrition in the criminal justice process. What the sexual assault kit initiative is confirming and/or challenging what we know about how and why cases move through the criminal justice process.
- Topics could include: what happened to the criminal cases connected to the now-tested kits, what is the impact of victim vulnerabilities on case attrition, and mapping/geospatial partners of the rapes. (SAKI-specific chapter)
- Advancements in the neurobiology of trauma. What are the current advancements in our understanding of the neurobiology of trauma and how that impacts our understanding of the variety of responses by victims before, during and after the sexual assault (such as fight, flight, freeze), as well as the long-term impact of trauma on stress-related disorders (such as PTSD)?
- Advancements in funding and legislative reform. What are the current advancements in federal, state and local efforts to address large inventories of untested kits.
- Topics could include: a synopsis of efforts to fund testing, follow-up and legislate rape kit reform, a discussion of the six pillars of state legislative reform, and examples of lessons learned in one or more jurisdictions. (SAKI-specific chapter)
- Envisioning primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. What are the next steps in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention efforts?
- Topics could include: a synopsis of the current state of knowledge around prevention efforts and how rape kit testing informs prevention efforts.
- Envisioning culturally-specific responses to sexual assault. What are the next steps in culturally-specific responses to sexual assault? How are changing responses informed by culturally-specific attitudes and behaviors?
- Envisioning a more informed and supportive community. What are the next steps in creating a more informed and supportive public through the lens of #MeToo, #TimesUp, jury pools, readership, the public, etc.?
- We are also seeking contributors to submit topic areas for our consideration. If you have an idea for a chapter, we’d love to hear it!
How to submit chapter abstracts
We invite all who are interested or thinking about submitting an abstract to email the co-editors to discuss their proposed chapters prior to submitting an abstract. Email Rachel Lovell and/or Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling.
Timeline
- March 2021: Co-editors will invite the selected authors to submit a chapter and provide submission specs (e.g., formatting, style, etc.). An invitation to submit a chapter is not a guarantee of publication.
- May 15, 2021: Contributors submit abstracts/outlines to co-editors for approval.
- May–July 2021: Co-editors meet with all contributors about the direction of their chapter, talk through any potential issues, etc.
- July 31, 2021: Chapter drafts due.
- August–December 2021: Feedback, editing and revisions.
- January 2022: Final book draft submitted to Routledge Press.
Formatting and guidelines
Chapters are not expected to be original scholarship or already published elsewhere but would be either reviews of the current state of research on a set topic or a combination of original empirical research and a review.
- Chapters will be approximately 5,000–6,250 words each
- 20–25 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, including references (roughly 20–30 but no more than 50), tables/graphs (roughly 2–3), endnotes, key points, discussion questions, further reading and sidebars
- Detailed formatting guidelines will be provided by the co-editors before abstracts are due
- All chapters will be formatted APA style (7th ed.)
- Chapters will include ALL of the following sections:
- Introduction
- Main Body of the Chapter
- Conclusion
- Key Points
- A bulleted list of the key points from the chapter. The reader should be able to discern all the takeaway messages from this section in a more engaging way—like key points in an executive summary. Includes recommendations (when appropriate).
- Thought or Discussion Questions
- A list of at least two (but no more than 10) thought or discussion questions at the end of the chapter to facilitate conversation, class and/or group discussion.
- Further Reading
- Roughly 3–5 (but no more than 10 unless in rare cases more are needed) sources used for further exploration of the topics mentioned in the chapter and recommended sources.
- Sidebars/Inserts/Other Media
- Provided to engage the reader possibilities. Possibilities include: (a) case examples/model, the big picture, etc. of integrated frameworks, (b) intersectionality/vulnerable and underserved populations, such as those with disabilities, indigenous, etc., (c) neurobiological issues, (d) public health/social justice responses, or (d) controversies and future directions.