Call for Papers: JFS Special Issue on Vicarious Trauma in Forensic Scientists

Editor-in-Chief: Michael A. Peat, Ph.D. 
Guest Editor: Daniel A. Martell, Ph.D.

The Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS) is pleased to announce an upcoming special issue, titled "JFS Special Issue on Vicarious Trauma in Forensic Scientists." This Special Issue will focus on the cumulative effects of exposure to traumatic experiences in the course of our work as forensic scientists on mental health outcomes and job burnout.  

The JFS is seeking manuscript submissions for this Special Issue in multiple areas, including but not limited to the following:

• Traumatic Exposure in the Field and at the Crime Scene
  • Police Officers and First Responders
  • Medicolegal Death Investigators
  • Crime Scene Investigators
  • Forensic Nurses
  • Forensic Pathologists
• Traumatic Exposure in the Lab
  • Digital Evidence Handling
  • Physical Evidence Handling
  • Medical Examiners' Experiences
  • Toxicology Evidence Handling
  • Pressures and Issues Maintaining Quality etc. in High Volume or Other Lab Settings
• Traumatic Exposure in the Courtroom
  • Stress of Testimony / Cross-Examination
  • Encounters with the Victim, Defendant, or their Family Members
  • Encounters with the Press in High Profile Cases
• Mental Health Outcomes in Forensic Scientists
• Primary Prevention, Peer Support, Coping, and Treatment 

Manuscript submission information:

• Submission site: wiley.atyponrex.com/journal/JFO
• Cover letter: Include that the submission is for consideration for the JFS Special Issue on Vicarious Trauma in Forensic Scientists
• Please follow the guidelines included in the JFS Information for Authors
• Submission due date: August 31, 2025 

JFS encourages you to be a part of this Special Issue on Vicarious Trauma in Forensic Scientists.  It will provide a valuable platform for you to showcase your work and contribute to shaping the direction of our forensic community, promoting meaningful discussions and interdisciplinary connections.

Questions or related inquiries can be sent to Dr. Martell at dmartell@aol.com, Dr. Peat at jfs.editor@att.net, or JFS Managing Editor Brenda Peat at bpeat@aafs.org.