Ep 16. Home

In the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 5 episode 16, titled "Home," the SVU team is called in to investigate a domestic dispute which ultimately leads to an unexpected tragedy.

The episode centers around a New York City couple, the Elliots, who have been going through a rough patch in their marriage. The husband, James Elliot, is a successful businessman, while his wife, Caitlin Elliot, has been struggling with depression and has been taking medication to cope. One day, Caitlin calls the police to report that James has locked her out of their apartment and taken their son, Kevin, with him. When the police arrive, James claims that Caitlin is unstable and that he is just trying to protect Kevin from her erratic behavior.

The SVU team is called in to investigate the domestic dispute. Detectives Benson and Stabler talk to both James and Caitlin separately, and their stories paint a disturbing picture of a marriage on the brink of collapse. Caitlin's mental health is clearly deteriorating, but James seems reluctant to help her get the treatment she needs. As the detectives dig deeper, they discover that James has been having an affair with his secretary and is planning to divorce Caitlin and take custody of Kevin.

As the investigation continues, the SVU team uncovers evidence that suggests that James may be physically abusing Caitlin. They learn that Caitlin has been hiding bruises on her arms and legs, and that she has been hospitalized in the past due to injuries sustained in domestic violence incidents. When they confront James with this evidence, he maintains his innocence and claims that Caitlin is lying to manipulate him and keep him from divorcing her.

While the SVU team tries to unravel the truth behind the Elliots' troubled marriage, tragedy strikes. Kevin, the couple's young son, goes missing and a search party is organized to find him. The entire city is on high alert, with news coverage of the case dominating the airwaves.

The SVU detectives work tirelessly to find Kevin, even as tensions between James and Caitlin escalate. As the search intensifies, the detectives discover a shocking secret about the Elliots' past that sheds light on their present troubles. And when Kevin is finally found, the heartbreaking truth behind his disappearance is revealed.

"Home" is a gripping episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that explores the devastating impact of domestic violence on families. Through the Elliots' tragic story, the episode highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and intervening before it's too late. With powerful performances by the cast and an emotionally charged storyline, "Home" is a must-watch for fans of the series.