Joseph Stabler (?-February 1993) is husband of Bernadette Stabler, and father of Detective Elliot Stabler. Bernadette and Joseph have six children. Joseph also a police officer, Joseph physically and emotionally abused Elliot. According to Elliot, his father never approved of a single thing he did (SVU: "Rooftop"). Joseph Stabler collected stamps. Joseph sold his stamp collection and used the money to buy Maureen's bassinet and to help pay rent (SVU: "Uncivilized").