Detective Olivia Benson
Benson had a tough childhood. She is a child of rape and her mother raised her alone. Her mother was a chronic alcoholic and sometimes was physically abusive towards her (she told
ADA Novak about this in episode 6.19 "Intoxicated"). Her mother died falling down some steps when drunk in season two. She doesn't know anything about her father and as a result, sometimes wonders about her identity. In episode 3.08 "Inheritance" where it turns out a serial rapist is himself a result of rape, she talks to Dr. Huang and states maybe she's just lucky she didn't turn out violent like the perp.
Her mother's rape was the reason why Benson wanted to work in the Special Victims Unit and she is extremely dedicated and compassionate. Her compassion for the victims sometimes plays with her emotions and can have an effect on her impartiality to cases. Her dedication to her job has left her personal life in a shambles... she has had relationships, but none have lasted for very long. In the first season, she even had a very brief sexual relationship with Detective Cassidy. However, there is no disputing that she is an excellent detective, street smart and tough where it matters and her compassion for the victims usually helps rather than hinders her approach to tackling such tough cases.
