Romper el modelo: mujeres, delitos y reclusión en la cárcel del divorcio de Santa Fe (1816-1836)

Abstract

The article analyzes the first women’s jail in Santafe de Bogota, established during the 19th century: the Carcel del Divorcio or “Divorce Jail”, whose predecessors were the recogimientos, or retreats. The latter were institutions that provided assistance, and periods of seclusion, to women considered likely to engage in morally incorrect acts. The paper also identifies the offenses that were punished and the differences among the women deprived of their freedom. It also focuses on their so-called sexual offenses, those that defied morality, the preferred family structure, and the behavior expected of women. It describes and analyzes the judicial processes, legislation, and the sentences imposed on these women.