American Samoa's governor is proposing legislation to protect the elderly and disabled population in the territory from abuse and neglect.
Lolo Matalasi Moliga Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
Lolo Matalasi Moliga says he is sending an act designed to prevent such behaviour to the Fono for review and approval.
According to the governor, the abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly and disabled adults is a growing problem in the United States and the vast majority of cases go unreported.
He said there were currently no laws in American Samoa that are specifically designed to protect such vulnerable groups.
The governor said the Territorial Administration on Aging agency is now enrolled in a federal reporting database which will ensure American Samoa has complete access to resources to prevent neglect and abuse among senior citizens.
