Neutralizations and a history of ‘keeping the lid’ on it: how church leaders handled and explained sexual abuse in one diocese

Abstract

While much is known about the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, there are very few criminological studies on the topic. This research adds to that knowledge base. This study examines the techniques of neutralization used by diocesan personnel in their efforts to justify priests' abusive behaviors and temper public knowledge of what was occurring behind closed doors. Over 4000 pages of documentation, from 42 priest files, unsealed by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in July 2013 were analyzed retrospectively via qualitative content analysis of all statements consistent with neutralization techniques. Findings indicate that diocesan personnel were most likely to deny injury and responsibility, and that some were very forthright about covering up these crimes. The need for continued qualitative research using more recently released files, as well as surveys and interviews with Church leaders, also is discussed.

Keywords:

• sexual abuse
• priests
• Catholic Church
• techniques of neutralization

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason D. Spraitz

Jason D. Spraitz is an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Program at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. His current research focuses on various aspects of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church including neutralizing techniques used by accused priests and the diocesan-level response to allegations in the USA. Additional research interests include SORN law compliance and unintended consequences.

Kendra N. Bowen

Kendra N. Bowen is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Texas Christian University. Her research interests include decision-making in violent situations, sex offender registration and notification laws, and clergy sexual abuse.

James H. Bowers

James H. Bowers Jr. is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Saginaw Valley State University. His research interests include crime mapping, online teaching presence and pedagogy, and sex offender techniques of neutralization.