Edwardsville Sexual Abuse Attorneys
early $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors
Edwardsville Sex Abuse Lawyers That Provide Support
Our Edwardsville sexual abuse attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights, assess the strength of your case, and build a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether the abuse took place in a school, daycare, church, medical facility, or another setting, we will stand with you every step of the way.
Our firm proudly serves survivors throughout Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), and areas across Madison County. Call (800) 509-9747 or get started with your case online – always 100% confidential.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases Handled by Our Edwardsville Attorneys
Sexual abuse can take many forms, and we represent survivors in a wide range of situations, including:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- School sexual abuse
- Foster care and daycare center abuse
- Priest and clergy sexual abuse
- Doctor and therapist sexual abuse
- Troubled teen industry and juvenile hall abuse
- Cases involving trafficking, rape, grooming, coercion, or other forms of abuse
No matter the setting or the status of the abuser, our sexual abuse lawyers are prepared to fight for your right to be heard and for the accountability you deserve.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Notable Edwardsville Sexual Abuse Cases
1. Assistant Principal Charged with Sexual Assault of Student
In May 2023, Erin Hamilton-Foley, then an assistant principal at Edwardsville High School, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault. The charges allege that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student whom she was mentoring. The Madison County State’s Attorney emphasized the breach of trust involved in this case, highlighting the seriousness of adults in positions of authority exploiting their roles for sexual purposes.
2. Edwardsville Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
In January 2025, James T. Berry, a 24-year-old resident of Edwardsville, was charged with seven counts related to child pornography, including three Class X felonies. The investigation began after cyber tips indicated that Berry had uploaded child sexual abuse material via the Kik messaging app. Upon arrest, Berry admitted to owning the account and disseminating the illicit content.
3. Edwardsville Man Facing Additional Child Sexual Assault Charges
In October 2024, Joseph Polisky, 47, of Edwardsville, was arraigned on multiple charges, including rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, and possession of child pornography. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple girls inside a van parked near a shopping center, recording the acts. Polisky had previously been charged in a separate case involving the molestation of two girls during a camping trip.
4. Six Illinois Men Charged in Troy Motel Child Sex Sting
In April 2025, six men from Illinois, including residents from Madison County, were arrested during a two-day child sex sting operation at a motel in Troy, Illinois. The operation involved undercover agents posing as 16-year-old girls. The suspects were charged with multiple felonies, including indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
If you suspect abuse, either in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Our team is trained to handle these cases with the care, sensitivity, and urgency they deserve.
Understanding Your Legal Options
Criminal Legal Considerations
1. No Statute of Limitations for Prosecution
As of 2019, Illinois has removed the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex crimes, including sexual abuse and assault. This change allows survivors to pursue criminal charges regardless of when the abuse occurred.
2. Classification and Penalties
Sexual offenses in Illinois are categorized based on severity:
- Criminal Sexual Assault: Class 1 felony; punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison.
- Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault: Class X felony; punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison.
- Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child: Class X felony; punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison.
Convicted individuals may also face fines up to $25,000 and mandatory registration as sex offenders.
Civil Legal Considerations
1. Statute of Limitations for Civil Lawsuits
- Childhood Sexual Abuse: Illinois has eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file claims at any time.
- Adult Sexual Abuse: Survivors generally have two years from the date of the incident or discovery of harm to file a civil lawsuit.
2. Potential Defendants
Civil lawsuits can be filed against:
- Perpetrators: The individuals who committed the abuse.
- Institutions: Entities such as schools, religious organizations, or employers that may have failed to prevent the abuse or adequately supervise the perpetrator.
3. Compensation
Survivors may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Settlement amounts vary based on the case’s specifics but can range from six-figure sums to multi-million-dollar awards.
Recent Legislative Developments
In December 2024, Illinois enacted House Bill 222, introducing significant changes:
- Presumption of Harm: Courts now presume that childhood sexual abuse is inherently harmful, simplifying the burden of proof for survivors.
- Delayed Discovery: The law acknowledges that survivors may not immediately recognize the abuse’s impact, allowing for delayed filing of a sexual abuse lawsuit in the state of Illinois.
Get Help From an Edwardsville Sexual Abuse Attorney at Kayla’s Survivors
If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse in Edwardsville or nearby communities in Madison County, you may be entitled to take legal action and seek compensation. A dedicated sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Get started by calling (800) 562-0676 or sharing your story online with our legal team – 100% confidential. The legal team at Kayla’s Survivors is here to listen and support you.
Kayla’s Survivors has helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse and has a proven track record of holding individuals and institutions accountable across the United States.