Located in Galesburg, Illinois, the Mary Davis Detention Home is a juvenile detention facility that’s supposed to provide a safe and secure environment for young people. However, recent allegations suggest that some residents have been subjected to the horror of sexual abuse while under the facility’s care.
If you or a loved one has suffered from sex abuse at the Mary Davis Detention Home, you may feel scared, alone, and unsure of where to turn. At Dolman Law Group, we understand the immense trauma and pain caused by such abuse, and our compassionate Mary Davis Detention Home sex abuse lawyers are here to stand up for your rights.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
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Table of Contents
- Understanding Sex Abuse in Illinois Detention Facilities
- What Does a Sex Abuse Lawyer Do?
- Legal Rights of Detention Home Residents
- Steps to Take if You or a Loved One Suffered Abuse at the Mary Davis Detention Home
- How Dolman Law Group Can Help
- Contact a Mary Davis Detention Home Sexual Abuse Attorney Right Away
Understanding Sex Abuse in Illinois Detention Facilities
Sex abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, often involving a person in a position of power taking advantage of a more vulnerable individual.

In Illinois detention facilities, sex abuse can take many forms, including:
- Inappropriate touching or groping
- Sexual assault or rape
- Coerced sexual acts
- Exposure to pornographic material
- Voyeurism or invasion of privacy
- Sexual harassment or intimidation
Perpetrators of sex abuse in detention facilities may include staff members, such as guards, counselors, or medical personnel, as well as other detainees. The power dynamics and confined environment of detention homes can make it especially difficult for victims to report abuse or seek help.
The psychological and physical impact of sexual abuse on victims can be severe and long-lasting. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. The trauma of abuse can also lead to physical health problems and a general distrust of authority figures.
What Does a Sex Abuse Lawyer Do?

If you have experienced sex abuse at the Mary Davis Detention Home, a skilled sex abuse lawyer can pursue justice for you.
At Dolman Law Group, our attorneys are committed to:
- Thoroughly investigating claims of sex abuse, including interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence such as medical records, incident reports, and security camera footage.
- Representing victims in legal proceedings, whether through negotiations with the facility and their insurers or by filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial if necessary.
- Seeking maximum compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by the abuse, such as medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and lost future earnings.
- Ensuring that abusers and negligent facilities are held accountable for their actions through criminal charges, civil penalties, and policy changes to prevent future abuse.
Illinois has a statute of limitations for filing sex abuse lawsuits, and victims have 20 years after their 18th birthday or 20 years after discovering the abuse to take legal action. Exceptions may apply in cases where the abuse was concealed or the victim was an adult. A knowledgeable Mary Davis sex abuse attorney can help you understand your options and fight for your right to pursue justice.
Legal Rights of Detention Home Residents
Residents of the Mary Davis Detention Home and other Illinois youth facilities have fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, which encompasses freedom from sexual abuse.
Additionally, several state and federal laws protect detainees from abuse, such as:
- The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) sets standards for preventing, detecting, and responding to sexual abuse in detention facilities.
- The Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act requires facility staff to report suspected abuse to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
- The Illinois Juvenile Court Act outlines minors’ rights in the justice system, including the right to a safe and humane environment.
Detention facilities like the Mary Davis Detention Home in Knox County have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents. This includes properly screening and training staff, implementing policies to prevent and address abuse, and promptly investigating and reporting any misconduct allegations.
Steps to Take if You or a Loved One Suffered Abuse at the Mary Davis Detention Home

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse at the Mary Davis Detention Home, it’s crucial to take action to protect your rights and begin the healing process. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Report the abuse to the proper authorities, such as the police, DCFS, and the facility’s administration. This can help ensure that the abuse is investigated and prevent the perpetrator from harming others.
- Seek medical attention and mental health support. A healthcare provider can document any physical injuries and provide treatment, while a therapist or counselor can help you process the emotional trauma of the abuse.
- Contact a sex abuse lawyer at Dolman Law Group for legal guidance and representation. Our compassionate attorneys can help you understand your rights, explore your options for pursuing justice, and support you through every step of the legal process.
How Dolman Law Group Can Help

At Dolman Law Group, we have extensive experience handling detention facility sex abuse cases and a proven track record of success in holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
Our dedicated attorneys understand the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in these cases. We’re committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy for our clients.
When you work with an Illinois juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawyer at Dolman Law Group, you can expect:
- A free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
- Thorough investigation and evidence gathering to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Skilled negotiation with the facility, their insurers, and other parties to seek a fair settlement.
- Fearless litigation and trial representation if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached.
- Pursuit of maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Trauma-informed support and resources to help you heal and move forward with your life.
Additionally, since we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay anything upfront for us to handle your case. We only accept attorney fees if we recover damages for you through a settlement or court award.
Contact a Mary Davis Detention Home Sexual Abuse Attorney Right Away

Don’t hesitate to get the legal help you need after suffering abuse at a Mary Davis Detention Home or another Illinois youth facility. The compassionate Knox County sexual abuse attorneys at Dolman Law Group are here to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (312) 500-2901 to discuss your case during a free and confidential consultation.