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THE STORY OF MARTINE C. LEA
Reinventing the Approach to Child and Youth Victimology
Through Centralized and Simplified Information
Martine C. Lea Mergui, founder of USAFORCHILD.COM, is a specialist in American, French and European criminal law and procedure. She holds master's degrees in business law and political science from the University of Paris-Panthéon-Sorbonne, and in criminal law and practice from the University of Paris-Saclay. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in American criminal justice with the highest honors from Florida International University, Miami, Florida.
She has spent much of her life working to defend the rights of victims, with particular emphasis on minors because of their inherent vulnerability. Her professional experience encompasses advocacy for children in school disciplinary proceedings, as well as collaboration with associations and law firms dedicated to defending victims of all ages. Her extensive work in the field has built her expertise in Child and Youth victimology, and strengthened her commitment to advancing child protection protocols and implementing criminal law more effectively.
She also authored a dissertation entitled "The Evolution of the Criminal Protection of Minors Against Sexual Crimes and Offenses", which was produced during the preparatory phase for the French law of April 21, 2021, concerning incest and sexual crimes and offenses against minors. This historic legislation notably introduced new independent criminal offenses, including those perpetrated via electronic means as well as incest committed against minors.
Her awareness of the grave impact of sexual abuse by relatives also prompted her to undertake a doctoral thesis in private law on "The Criminal Protection of Minors Against Sexual Abuse of Family Origin: Franco-American Comparisons and Proposals." This research systematically examines and compares the French and American judicial systems, underscores the complementary nature of their respective models, and puts forward innovative recommendations to address incest involving minors and the commercial exploitation of minors by family members. Her work is directed towards preventing child abuse and advancing proposals for legislative reform.
Recognizing the general public’s limited awareness and the inadequate training of professionals in identifying child abuse, she also decided to initiate the development of an online platform. The objective is to consolidate comprehensive information on this issue, presented in accessible language. The website features regularly updated practical guides that reflect recent changes in American criminal policy at both federal and state levels, alongside clear explanations of victimization mechanisms. It also addresses the constraints facing school and medical personnel in supporting child victims. To counter these challenges, she employs a scientific methodology in gathering and analyzing data, supplemented by insights from experienced field professionals. The psychological aspects of victimization and the sociodemographic contexts affecting minors are integral considerations in her final analyses.
Guided by the principle of safeguarding "the best interests of the child" she aims to inform and direct both the public and professionals toward equitable and informed understanding.
Wishing you a fruitful reading!