The purple and scarlet house: study on socioreligious aspects of domestic violence experienced by seven Pentecostal women. 2018. Dissertation (Master degree) - Post-graduate Program in Religious Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the domestic violence experienced by seven Pentecostal women, and to identify underlying social and religious aspects. We carried this out using qualitative exploratory research composed of bibliographic reference and field research. For our bibliographic reference, we focused on the three main themes of our research: domestic violence, gender relations and Pentecostalism. In the field research we used a structured questionnaire and conducted individual interviews. The interviewees were identified using following criteria: must have experienced domestic violence, must have  reached  the age of  majority,  must  be Pentecostal,  and  must  have  freely

accepted to participate in the research. It was possible to interview seven Pentecostal women who are the sample of our field research. From the bibliographic studies and the field research, we noticed that domestic violence has a characteristic of gender violence. Gender relations show inequalities marked by power and domination. Such inequalities have social and cultural backgrounds. Based on the collected data, we observed that the social and economic profile of the respondents is consistent with the Brazilian predominance of poverty and limited formal education. On domestic violence, the main offenders are the spouses. There are several forms of violence that have recurred over decades, aiming at maintaining the marriage bond. The offspring experiences this domestic violence at home. Regarding the religious aspect, we found that the religiosity of the respondents permeates their discourses and guides their daily routines. Future yearnings, dreams and perspectives of social, economic and religious natures are adorned by the beliefs and faith they profess. Pentecostalism, as a guiding medium for religious practice, is characterized by the respondents as beneficial under various aspects and contexts. However, we did not identify, in the respondents' discourses, elements of religious nature and Pentecostal belonging that favor more equitable gender relations and actively contribute to the cessation of domestic violence that they experience.