Samoa's prime minister has launched a Commission of Inquiry into domestic violence in Samoa.
Samoa PM, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has appointed three commissioners including politician Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei'ataua, Auckland University of Technology's Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop and the National University of Samoa's Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea.
Lei'ataua is a former speaker of the house and cabinet minister who represents the A'ana Alofi No. 2 constituency.
Leasiolagi is the NUS director of the Centre for Samoan Studies and New Zealand-based Tagaloatele is a professor of Pacific Studies and member of New Zealand's Advisory Council on the Employment of Women.
The commission will be chaired by the ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma.
The inquiry launch coincides with Samoa's National Human Rights' Day and will mark the start of a year-long investigation into violence within the family.