Os crimes sexuais na província do Espírito Santo (1855-1889)

Abstract

The research refers to sexual crimes occurred in the County of Vitória, Province of Espírito Santo, from 1855 to 1889. By analyzing the speech of the defendants, the victims the witnesses and the State judicial system, the work aims at verifying the idealized woman‟s role model, reflecting on the sense of honor and moral attributed to the male and female gender. Nineteen criminal records, which were part of the acquis belonging to the Espírito Santo State Public Files, have been elaborated. The methodology used was the evidential paradigm theory (“indiciarismo”) recommended by Carlo Ginzburg. The research determined that, in the Province of Espírito Santo, Vitória County, there was a condescendence related to the sexual crimes committed by men, even those performed with violence, since, such characteristic was attributed as sign of manhood. There has been a stricter demand of rule of conduct in comparison to the women. The ones who did not fulfil the idealized pattern of submission, docility and modesty were punished and considered dishonorable people. Regarding the men, the rules of conduct were made more flexible. Even married men, or relatives of the victims could be absolved from the sexual crime committed, if they proved to be hardworking and decent people. Perhaps, that explains the reason why most of the men who have committed sexual crimes had their acquittal.