Television has been frequently criticized for its stereotypical and oftentimes exaggerated coverage of white female victims, violent crime, and offenders of color (Britto et al., 2007; Chermak, 1995; Cuklanz & Moorti, 2006; Entman, 1990; Gerbner et al., 1980; Kelly, 2023). Media plays a significant role in perpetuating and reinforcing Christie’s (1986) stereotypical ideal victim narrative involving White, female victims being attacked by strangers (Madriz, 1997). The current study explored the disabled and LGBTQ+ victim representation in Law & Order: SVU, using a content analysis of approximately 56 episodes of SVU; the following areas were considered: (a) victim demographic variables (e.g., race, gender, class), (b) special victim category (e.g., disability type and/or sexual orientation), (c) crime type, and (d) system interactions (e.g., officer response/treatment and court response/treatment).
