The Police are investigating claims about a rape incident involving a 13-year-old girl. 

The alleged rape took place in a village on the north west coast of Upolu last month.

This was confirmed by the Deputy Police and Prisons Commissioner, Papali'i Monalisa Tiai Keti, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

The Police say the matter was only reported to them last month. The complaint involves the alleged sexual violation of a young girl.

Papali'i said the Police have not arrested anyone as the investigation is continuing.

With Samoa being under COVID-19 restrictions, the number of domestic violence incidents - including sexual assault - have increased.

The President of the Samoa Victims Support Group, Siliniu Lina Chang, says this is a major concern.

“Based on what we have seen and the cases we have come across, domestic violence comes in different forms," she said.

"It means women are not only affected but also men and the children are all involved.”

She also highlighted that it is evident through there Campus House housing more than a hundred women and children who are victims of violence and different forms of abuse.

“And also another contributing factor is the employment and poverty that leads to domestic disputes due to economic impacts of COVID-19.”