Detective Olivia Benson

Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) joined the Special Victims Unit due to her own painful past. She has since proven herself to be a competent, street-smart cop, but can't help responding emotionally to victims of the terrible crimes she investigates. In fact, Benson often uses herself as bait when tracking dangerous criminals. She and her partner, Detective Stabler, have an amiable, professional relationship.