7 Aug 2019

Murder charge highlights domestic violence in Samoa

7:38 am on 7 August 2019

The police in Samoa have charged a man with murder following the death of his 53-year-old wife.

Samoa Deputy PM , Fiame Niamo, Mataáfa, speaking at the ABU conference in Apia

Samoa Deputy PM , Fiame Niamo, Mataáfa, speaking at the ABU conference in Apia Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The woman spent five days in hospital with serious injuries before her death.

The suspect is due to appear in court on Monday

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has spoken about domestic violence at the the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union conference currently underway in Apia.

Fiame told the conference, domestic violence is restraining development.

"In the Pacific, I think the impact of domestic violence on the development of a country has serious significance.

"When half of the population is not able to live their lives to their fullest potential I think we are all necessarily being limited," she said.

Domestic violence is a global issue and not just a problem in the Pacific, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said.