Samoa police investigate case of 13 year old wife

Police in Samoa are investigating the circumstances surrounding a report of a 13 year old girl who is married to an older man.

The matter came to light when the girl sought police assistance after she claimed that she was assaulted by her husband.

The alleged assault took place in a village on Savaii last week and police upon investigation discovered the victim is underage.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Sala’a Moananu Sale told local media the investigation will cover the girl’s parents as well as the accused who is between the ages of 40 and 45.

Marriage to 13 year old girls is legally prohibited in Samoa.    LoopSamoa