Male violence against women has gained increasing importance in recent decades, both in the public debate and among scholars. Historical research has analysed it since the 1970s, gradually taking into consideration the multiple dimensions and forms of violence and studying long-term continuities and changing factors.

Important insights have been gained into the history of the legal legitimisation of violence, achieved through secular institutions such as the ius corrigendi, crime of honour, forced marriage by rape, the discipline of adultery, separations, and female sexuality.

Call for Contributions (PDF)

In order to encourage documentary research, which is highly recommended given the new topic, the publication process will follow this timetable:
- The proposal (title and abstract of max 500 words + brief biographical note), is to be sent to the editors (simona.feci@unipa.it and laura.schettini@unipd.it) by 15 March 2023 (email subject: self-defence proposal).
- Confirmation of acceptance or rejection of submitted proposals: 7 April.
- Selected proposals will be presented at a pre-publication workshop in October/November 2023.
- The submission of the full version of contributions is scheduled for 15 January 2024.