Last updated 11/5/25
*Note: The American Samoa Code website is currently under construction. Statutory links may be temporarily unavailable. PDFs will be added when available.
Elder/Older Adult Abuse
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5101 Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect—Definitions
https://asbar.org/code-annotated/46-5101-definitions
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5102 Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult—Penalties
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5103 Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect—Sexual offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disable adult
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5104 Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect—Exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult—Penalties
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5105 Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect—Knowledge of victim’s age
https://asbar.org/code-annotated/46-5105-knowledge-of-victims-age
American Samoa Code Annotated section 46.5106 Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect—Good faith assistance
https://asbar.org/code-annotated/46-5106-good-faith-assistance
Alternate Charges
Please note that the following are possible alternatives to a charge of elder or older adult abuse, and their applicability may vary depending on the specific laws of each state. Additionally, the terms used in state statutes may differ. This list is not comprehensive and is intended solely to encourage the exploration of other relevant laws.
Physical Abuse: assault and battery; homicide and related; kidnapping; domestic abuse
Sexual Abuse: assault and battery; sexual abuse; lascivious conduct; indecent exposure; domestic abuse; trafficking
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: harassment; stalking; hate crimes; eavesdropping
Financial Exploitation: embezzlement; forgery; theft and related; fraud; identify theft; burglary and robbery; money laundering; RICO; trafficking; unauthorized use of property
Neglect: homicide and related; endangerment; false imprisonment
Elder/Older Adult Abuse – Protective Orders
No Known Laws on Protective Orders Specific to Elder/Older Adult Abuse
Note: American Samoa does not currently have a statutorily authorized Adult Protective Services (APS) program.
Suspected Financial Exploitation – Holds and Trusted Contacts
No Known Laws on Holds and Trusted Contacts for Suspected Financial Exploitation
**Note to self: TAOA (Territorial Administration on Aging) is their AAA; AG’s Office: talaimalo.uiagalelei@la.as.govand assistant is sefof@la.as.gov (emailed both but no response); they are working on an APS law but seems unlikely anytime soon per the “APS supervisor”; they operate APS without statutory authority.