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Using Sykes and Matza\u2019s theory, this study examines the techniques of neutralization used by accused priests in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Priests\u2019 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.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/0886260515579509","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2015,4,8]],"date-time":"2015-04-08T21:33:24Z","timestamp":1428528804000},"page":"2515-2538","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":20,"title":["Techniques of Neutralization and Persistent Sexual Abuse by Clergy"],"prefix":"10.1177","volume":"31","author":[{"given":"Jason D.","family":"Spraitz","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Wisconsin\u2013Eau Claire, WI, USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Kendra N.","family":"Bowen","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"179","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2016,7,10]]},"reference":[{"key":"bibr1-0886260515579509","unstructured":"Archdiocese of Milwaukee. 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