Enacted in 1983, the new law defines three categories of sexual offenses: sexual assault, punishable by a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment; sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party, or causing bodily harm, punishable by a maximum of 14 years' imprisonment; and aggravated sexual assault, punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment. These laws apply with equal force to men and women and encompass many forms of sexual molestation. They also are accompanied by a series of changes to procedural and evidentiary rules, intended to facilitate prosecution. These reforms should lead to increased conviction rates and are intended to ensure that the victims interests respected in the criminal justice process. Measured by a variety of criminal justice statistics, the impact of the reforms may be slight. While significant gains should be achieved in the area of victim treatment, the major impact will be symbolic, serving as a vehicle for redefining the status of women and their right to be protected by the forces of social control 50 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)