The SVU detectives investigate sex crimes-usually rapes, rape-homicides, and various forms of child abuse. However, SVU focuses more on the detectives and less on the attorneys, whereas the original show usually shifts from the investigation to the prosecution at the halfway point.
Changes in scene are marked by black screens stating the place and date, as well as the franchise's trademark 'chung chung' noise. Like the original, the show features detectives investigating crimes and attorneys prosecuting the offenders. The first spin-off of the Law & Order franchise. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
'In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous.
