Special Victims Unit

A Special Victims Unit (SVU), also known as a Special Victims Division, is a specialized branch within some law enforcement agencies, typically police departments. These units focus on cases involving vulnerable or high-risk victims. Detectives assigned to an SVU typically investigate sexual offenses or other crimes that require sensitive handling, such as those involving children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Because of the sensitive nature of these investigations, SVU detectives often receive specialized training in forensic interviewing, crisis intervention, and victim advocacy.