Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow.

DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, particularly Olivia Benson’s arc. Proceed at your peril.

Fast Facts

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson running.

Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) has been on everyone’s television for over two decades as the leading lady on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Back in 1999, when the show started, Benson was a detective who worked alongside her partner, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni).

After Stabler’s departure, Benson becomes the main character. As the show follows her incredible work as part of Manhattan’s SVU, we witness her growth inside the NYPD. She started as a detective and grew to become a sergeant and lieutenant. Currently, she is the captain of SVU.

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Throughout the series, one of Benson’s biggest goals was to have a family. That dream becomes a reality in what fans call Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 2.0 when she adopts Noah Porter (Ryan Buggle). Since then, we have witnessed Benson’s growth as a mother as we watch Noah grow alongside her.

Her work family has also grown and changed throughout the years. Many have come and gone, but Benson has always stayed loyal to SVU, becoming the heart and soul of the squad room.

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The Real Deal

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson sitting in her office.

Olivia Benson has become such a beloved character because she makes victims and survivors of assault feel seen and cared for. Through Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 25 seasons, Benson has delivered some of the most heartwarming speeches, trying to remind the world why survivors matter.

Benson has spoken not only from her experience as an SVU cop but also as a survivor herself. Fans have had to witness Benson being kidnapped, assaulted and mistreated on more than one occasion. Whatever the odds, Benson has always come out stronger, giving viewers the comfort they needed on their worst days.

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Why She Matters

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson opening a body bag.

LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT — “Tunnel Blind” Episode 25001 — Pictured: Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson — (Photo by: Scott Gries/NBC)

Olivia Benson is the heart of the show. She is the glue that keeps everything together, even when the cases bring some of the most horrific crimes to the screen. Without her, the show wouldn’t be the same, nor would it have stayed on the air for so long.

So, be like Olivia Benson. Fight for the underdog. Listen to survivors and share their stories. Never give up on those who need you. Keep your work family together. And always be ready to kick ass.

Law & Order: Special Victims airs Thursdays 10/9c on NBC.

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