Gen AI Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy: Journal of Victimology

The Journal of Victimology adheres to the Elsevier Generative AI policies to ensure maximum transparency and provide clear guidance for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and contributors.

1.  Guidelines for Authors

This journal recognizes the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-powered tools to improve research efficiency and generate insights when used responsibly, so AI recognition for authors in the Journal of Victimology has been set at 30%. These tools can help synthesize complex literature, identify research gaps, and improve language readability. However, the following rules apply:

  1. Human Oversight: AI Tools must not replace human critical thinking, expertise, or evaluation. They must always be applied under human control.
  2. Accountability: Authors are ultimately responsible for the content of their work. This includes verifying the accuracy and objectivity of AI outputs, especially since AI-generated references may be fabricated or incorrect
  3. Authenticity: Authors must ensure the manuscript represents an original contribution and reflects their own unique analysis and interpretation
  4. Mandatory Disclosure: Use of AI Tools must be clearly disclosed at the time of submission through a separate declaration statement. This should include the tool's name, the purpose of its use, and the extent of human oversight.
  5. Exceptions: Basic checks for grammar, spelling, and punctuation do not require a formal declaration.
  6. Authorship: AI Tools cannot be listed or cited as an author or co-author. Authorship implies responsibilities and duties that can only be performed by humans.
  7. Ethics and Privacy: Authors must ensure that the use of AI protects data privacy and intellectual property. AI should not be used to generate identifiable images of real people, copyrighted brands, or likenesses of voices.

2.  Guidelines for Reviewers

Peer review is the cornerstone of the scientific ecosystem, and the Journal upholds the highest standards of integrity in this process.

  1. Confidentiality: Manuscripts are confidential documents. Reviewers are strictly prohibited from uploading any part of a submitted manuscript into generative AI tools, as this violates the author’s proprietary rights and data privacy.
  2. Human Judgment: The critical thinking and original judgment required for peer review are beyond the scope of AI technology. Reviewers must not use AI to assist in the scientific evaluation of a paper.
  3. Reporting: Reviewers remain solely accountable for the content of their review reports. AI Tools may not be used even for the purpose of improving the language of the report.

3.  Guidelines for Editors

Editors are responsible and accountable for the editorial process and final publication decisions.

  1. Non-AI Evaluation: AI Tools must not be used by editors to assist in the evaluation or decision-making process of a manuscript. This ensures that the risk of incorrect, incomplete, or biased conclusions is mitigated.
  2. Confidentiality Protocols: Editors must not upload manuscripts or any editorial communications (such as decision letters) into AI tools to maintain the confidentiality of the author’s work.
  3. Compliance Monitoring: If an editor suspects a violation of the AI policy by an author or reviewer, they are required to notify the publisher.