A missing teenager found beaten and tied up in a college dormitory under construction claims that she was raped by three students, but as the investigation proceeds and information obtained by the police and the press causes her story to unravel quickly, the girl recants. Since Benson remains convinced that a rape did occur, the focus of the investigation shifts to the girl's overly-protective stepfather who has resisted the investigation from its onset. When the girl finally tells the truth about the attack, it becomes apparent that her lies were calculated to protect her innocent stepfather from physical and financial ruin, as another victim of her attacker comes forward.

A pediatrician who is a convicted child molester is killed after his trial, but is the guilty party mentally competent to stand trial? Alex Cabot returns to the DA's office to prosecute the accused.

An alcoholic who fell off the wagon is charged in the brutal rape and murder of an abortion doctor. His defense argues that alcoholism is a disease, but why is ADA Paxton so bitterly opposed to the claim?

SVU uncovers a sex scandal involving New York City's mayoral front-runner, but is A.D.A. Barba too close to the case to prosecute objectively?