ICSA Conference 2026

Stage 1: Independent review

All submissions undergo a blind review process, meaning that while reviewers can see the author’s name and affiliation, reviewers themselves remain anonymous to the applicant. Each submission is independently scored by a team of nine reviewers, comprising select ICSA Board members, ICSA staff, and external professionals not involved in ICSA’s administration. The review team represents a wide range of expertise and lived experience, including professional researchers, mental health professionals, academics, survivors, family members, and friends of those affected by coercive environments.

Reviewers assign scores from 0 to 5 based on the established criteria below. Scores are then averaged to produce an overall rating for each submission.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Relevance to the conference theme
   How well the submission aligns with Expanding the Scope of Coercive Control and contributes to understanding coercive systems across the outlined contexts.

    

2. Clarity and organization
   The extent to which the proposal clearly articulates its aims, framework, and key points within the word limit.

    

3. Originality and contribution
   The degree to which the presentation offers new insights, approaches, or perspectives that advance knowledge or practice in the field.

    

4. Rigor and quality
   For research or clinical presentations, the soundness of methodology, theoretical grounding, or evidence base.

    

5. Ethical approach
   Sensitivity to participants and subject matter, including attention to survivor well-being, confidentiality, and responsible communication.

    

6. Potential impact and applicability
   The potential to inform prevention, recovery, education, or policy efforts related to coercive control. 

Stage 2: Conference committee selection

Final decisions regarding acceptance are made by a separate Conference Committee, which reviews submissions based on the blind average scores and additional program priorities.

These priorities include:

• Overall balance and coherence of the conference program
• Diversity of perspectives and disciplines
• Representation of survivor and first-time presenters
• Geographic and gender inclusivity
• Alignment with ICSA’s ethical and educational mission
• Session structure and narrative flow

This two-step process ensures that final selections reflect both the independent expertise of reviewers and the broader vision and inclusivity goals of the conference program.