Ep 17. Misleader

In Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 1 episode 17, titled "Misleader," the SVU team investigates a case involving a high school student named Nikki who alleges that she was raped by three boys. When the detectives begin to investigate, they find that Nikki had a reputation as a "party girl" and had been known to engage in sexual activity with multiple partners. As a result, they question whether or not the encounter was consensual.

The case becomes more complicated when the detectives learn that Nikki made false accusations against another student in the past, causing him to be expelled from school. They question whether or not Nikki is lying about this rape to seek revenge against the boys who rejected her advances.

Meanwhile, Detective Benson begins to bond with Nikki's mother, who is struggling to support her family after her husband's death. Through their conversations, Benson learns that Nikki has a history of mental health issues and has been receiving psychiatric treatment for a while. This information leads the team to question Nikki's credibility further.

As the detectives continue their investigation, they uncover a web of lies and deceit within the high school community. They learn that the three boys accused of rape were part of a group of students who regularly engaged in sexual activities with each other. They also find evidence that Nikki may have been lying about her mental health issues to get attention and sympathy from her peers.

In the end, the SVU team must determine the truth about what happened between Nikki and the three boys. They must use all of their investigative skills to untangle the web of lies surrounding the case and bring justice to those involved.

"Misleader" is a gripping episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that explores the complexities of rape cases involving consent. Through its exploration of mental health, high school politics, and peer influence, the episode presents a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by victims of sexual assault and the detectives who work to bring them justice. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in the issues surrounding sexual assault and consent.