Kendra N. Bowen

Techniques of Neutralization and Persistent Sexual Abuse by Clergy A Content Analysis of Priest Personnel Files From the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

The sexual abuse problem in the Catholic Church has received considerable attention by the media in recent years and growing attention from empirical researchers. Despite this growth, there is a lack of theoretical research that uses neutralization techniques to examine clergy offending. Using Sykes and Matza’s theory, this study examines the techniques of neutralization used by accused priests in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Priests’ personnel files, which were made publicly available by the Archbishop of Milwaukee in July 2013, were analyzed retrospectively through a qualitative content analysis of all direct statements and correspondences from the accused. The findings indicate that many priests denied responsibility or injury in an effort to justify their sexually abusive behaviors, but that no discernible patterns of technique use emerged. The need for continued research using recently released personnel files from other dioceses is also discussed.

The reentry labyrinth: The anatomy of a reentry services network

ABSTRACT Difficulties of returning prisoners to society have been well documented in research the last few decades. This article looks at reentry programs and finds very few standardized programs and brought up many practical issues exoffenders face upon reentry. We examine a nonprofit regional reentry program in North Texas in order to better understand the number and nature of services available and the difficulties the organizations face and its potential impact on former inmates. We use Texas ReEntry Services (TXRS) data located in Fort Worth, Texas, as a starting point for mapping the reentry landscape, including client information in order to identify variables that affect obtaining resources, such as transportation. Finally, we discuss the potential impact of this networked arrangement on policy and recidivism.

Adam Walsh Act compliance in Pennsylvania: what does the future hold? A research note

In December 2012, Pennsylvania became the 16th state to comply with regulations stipulated in the Adam Walsh Act (AWA). Title I of AWA stipulates that all jurisdictions support a sex offender registry comprised of three registration levels: 15 years, 25 years, and life. Prior to implementation of AWA guidelines, the sex offender registry in Pennsylvania consisted of two registration levels: 10 years and life. Given the collateral consequences that sex offender registries create, we were interested in how registered offenders in Pennsylvania felt about the new legislation. As part of a larger project, self-report surveys were mailed to registrants in one urban county in Pennsylvania. Participants were asked about their knowledge of impending AWA-compliance and how they would be affected by it. Results suggest that sex offenders in Pennsylvania are more likely than their peers in other states to be fearful of the consequences of this change.

Neutralisation and sexual abuse: a study of monks from one Benedictine Abbey

ABSTRACT Allegations of sexual abuse against minors by priests in Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the US are not new. Yet, it has only been within the past three years that dioceses (including Milwaukee, Chicago, Los Angeles, Joliet, and Winona) have unsealed files of priests accused of sexual abuse. Using available files from one Benedictine Abbey in Minnesota, we conducted a retrospective content analysis with a focus towards the way those within the diocese justified, neutralised, or shifted blame for these crimes. In addition to the presence of some of these themes, we also uncovered evidence of concealment by upper-level administrators. This manuscript offers a brief summation of the sexual abuse scandal within the Church, a case study of this abbey’s changing response to allegations over the past three decades, and a discussion of our findings, ideas for policy changes, and directions for future research.

Comparing Ex-offenders Who Use and Decline Job Readiness Training

ABSTRACT Reentry research has primarily focused on systemic and structural issues, with relatively little attention paid to the individual differences among ex-offender participation in community-based reentry services. Researchers often assume that the limiting factor for utilization of reentry services is the capacity for these services, without taking into account individual agency. This study examines factors that contribute to whether individuals participate or forego services, using data from a North Texas nonprofit client support organization, Texas ReEntry Services. Utilizing descriptive statistics and logistic regression, the researchers examine individuals who participate in the Job Readiness Program and compare them to individuals who do not utilize this service. Initial findings suggest that only a small percentage of unemployed ex-offenders take advantage of employment training and other free services.

Sex offender registration and notification laws: thoughts from registered sex offenders in three states

Purpose – In the USA, sex offender policy research has focussed on demographic characteristics of registrants, recidivism rates of registrants, accuracy and completeness of listed information, and the collateral consequences experienced by registrants. This growing body of research demonstrates the need to explore offender perceptions of sex offender registration and notification (SORN) laws. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether registration related variables influenced sex offenders’ opinions about the registry, compliance with the registry, self-worth, and deterrence perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilized a sample of 286 male registered sex offenders (RSO) in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Four multivariate regression models were run to examine registration related variables impact on sex offender opinions of the registry, registry compliance, feelings of self-worth, and perceptions of deterrence. Findings – The multivariate regression results suggest registration ...