Wellington Gomez
Professor Siobhan Pokorney
SOC 32605: Trauma and Resilience in Society
March 23rd, 2023
Trauma Review #1
A television show called Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) concentrates on the criminal investigation and prosecution of crimes like sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child abuse. The program frequently emphasizes the significance of underlying trauma and resilience in the lives of both the victims and the detectives. This is due to the delicate and frequently terrible nature of the subject matter. The characters in Law and Order: SVU constantly encounter terrifying circumstances and must face the consequences. For example, the detectives on the show frequently witness horrific representations involving sexual
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The season's "Jersey Breakdown" episode explores the harrowing path of pain and resilience in the lives of both the survivors and the investigators. It emphasizes the significance of providing sexual assault survivors with resources, counseling, and support that is informed by their traumatic experiences. The incident also serves as a crucial reminder of the need to maintain educating the public about sexual assault and holding offenders responsible for their acts. In "Jersey Breakdown," a young woman is discovered unconscious and partially naked in a park. This episode centers on the investigation of a sexual assault case. When they look into the crime, the investigators learn that a gang of men drugged and attacked the victim sexually. The victim is shown as dealing with the pain of her experience throughout the entire episode, notably the shame and self-blame that typically accompany sexual assault. With the help of the SVU team, particularly Detective Olivia Benson, she eventually gains the strength to speak out and confront her abusers. This is after initially refusing to come forward and file charges. The emotional toll of the case is also seen to be affecting the investigators personally. Due to the fact, she draws connections between the victim's experience and her past as a sexual assault survivor, Benson in particular demonstrates an emotional investment in the case. Benson's tenacity is highlighted throughout the episode as she endures despite obstacles and setbacks in her mission to find the criminals and bring them to