Sex Behind the Pulpit: Punishing Priesthood Sexual Violence in the United States

• In Event: The Impact of Victimization on Punishment and Sentencing

Abstract

Sexual violence committed by church leaders is not only pervasive but also a public health issue facing countries worldwide. Understanding the prevalence of these acts as well as how offenders are punished is challenging because most victims tend not to report their victimization. The current study explores how sexual violence perpetrated by church leaders is punished in the U.S. By analyzing more than 400 sexual violence cases, we aim to: 1) examine determinants of judicial adjudication outcomes regarding cases involving church officials and 2) assess the factors that influence sentencing decisions. Specifically, we aim to explore factors that determine sentence type and sentence length for officials found guilty of committing sexual violence while serving as a leader in the church. Results from our multivariate analysis indicate that cases involving minors as victims and multiple victims tend to be punished harshly. Moreover, compared to other races, white offenders are likely to be convicted. There are several policy implications of these findings, including developing effective monitoring and control systems to help address sexual violence in the church.

Authors

• Francis Boateng, University of Mississippi

• Katharine L. Brown, The University of Mississippi

• D'Andre Walker, University of Mississippi

• Samuel K. Agboola, University of Mississippi

• Peyton Stephenson, University of Mississippi