A couple from Erromango island in southern Vanuatu is facing 42 charges of having sex without consent with women and girls, some aged as young as 11.
The charges against Jacob and Mary Tavorvor allegedly involved unlawful sexual intercourse and indecency with young people.
A state prosecutor told the Port Vila magistrate's court says the case is very grave because it involved teenagers and under age girls.
He said one of the cases included a married 23-year-old woman who had allegedly been beaten when she refused to have sex with Mr Tavorvor.
The court heard it was the oldest victim who reported the matter to the community authorities.
