Quantas mulheres? Os “perdões de honra e virgindade” do fundo notarial bracarense (século XVIII)
This chapter delves into the “Perdões de Honra e Virgindade” from the Bracarense notarial fund in the 18th century. It explores the dual nature of these pardons, highlighting the patriarchal and sexist societal norms surrounding virginity and female honor. These pardons served as a means for victims, particularly in cases of sexual abuse, to seek redress and potentially re-enter the marriage market for support. The legal distinctions based on gender during the Early Modern period reflected women’s inferior status, with their decisions regulated and controlled. Despite limited presence in the