Ep 1. Repression

When a 15-year-old girl reports being raped by her father, the detectives of the Special Victims Unit are thrown into a complex and emotional investigation. The episode titled "Repression" begins with the team being called to the hospital where the victim, Lily, has been brought in after attempting to commit suicide. As they begin their investigation, they realize that Lily's family is from a conservative religious background and her father, Reverend Norman, is a well-known and respected member of their community.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case they uncover a history of abuse and manipulation within the family. It becomes clear that Lily's father has been sexually abusing her for years, using his position of power within the church to intimidate and control her. He's also been using other members of the congregation to keep an eye on her and prevent her from speaking out.

Throughout the episode, the detectives face several challenges as they navigate the sensitive and complicated case. Lily is traumatized and uncooperative, making it difficult for them to gather evidence. Additionally, Reverend Norman denies the allegations and uses his status within the community to try and sway public opinion against his daughter.

The emotional toll of the case also takes its toll on the detectives. Detective Olivia Benson, who herself is a survivor of sexual assault, struggles to remain impartial while dealing with Lily and her family. Meanwhile, Detective Elliot Stabler's faith is tested when he is forced to question the religious beliefs of those involved, including his own.

In the end, the detectives are able to bring Reverend Norman to justice, but not without facing several obstacles along the way. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the important work of the Special Victims Unit, and the impact that sexual abuse and assault can have on the lives of survivors and their families.

Overall, "Repression" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores the difficult topic of sexual abuse within religious communities. With strong performances from the cast and a well-written script, the episode is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.