La acusación de adulterio como forma de ejercer violencia contra las mujeres en la Castilla del siglo XV

Abstract

In XV century Castile we find evidence reflecting the existence of mistreatment of wives by their husbands. In the case dealt with in the present work, this violent conduct takes place within the context of an accusation of adultery. Through the existing documentary evidence relating to the case, by which the cause has reached us, we see how the husband mistreats his wife, María García, in a number of ways. He even uses justice for his purposes, as he was able to have her legally subjected to torture. The woman defends her innocence, even after having twice been subjected to torture by the use of water.