There’s always time to make a change.
One of the best things about Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which has set it apart from the rest of the franchise and brought it so much recognition, is the care with which the writers handle sensitive cases. Because every story on the show involves some sort of sexual assault or harassment, everyone has to be extra careful about how they tell it.
The show’s star, Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, was so inspired by her role that she eventually became an activist and counselor for victims of sexual assault. But she wasn’t the only cast member who couldn’t stay away from the causes SVU brought to viewers’ attention.
Stephanie March Activism
The actress, known for playing SVU’s permanent ADA Alexandra Cabot, has always been a philanthropist, among other things. But Law & Order: SVU has been a nice push for March to consider other causes for fundraising and promotion. In fact, it was one episode in particular where Cabot’s storyline touched the actress the most.
Speaking to People, Stephanie March revealed how her character’s trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the episode Witness (S11E16) influenced her own choices in activism:
“I remember it very clearly. And it was kind of stuck in my head at the time. And so I have to believe that to some degree, everything happens for a reason. That’s part of the reason I was so interested in the Panzi Foundation. <…> I felt like my passion really was to advocate for women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence,” she explained.
Although March’s personal views were always in line with those of her character, who felt very passionately about every case she was assigned to, to the point of being willing to cross all legal boundaries to help them, the show helped to target some specific groups and make more of an impact in certain areas.
Another example would be the actress’ work on the board of OneKid OneWorld, the organization that helps young women with education and job opportunities, primarily in Kenya and Central America. As a strong believer in equal opportunities for all people, March hopes to see a great improvement in the next 25 years.
Of course, acting will always be March’s main calling, just as it is for Mariska Hargitay. But it is doubly rewarding to see how impactful the art can be, not only for the viewers, but for the actors as well. Law & Order: SVU will return to our screens in the 2024/25 broadcast season, so keep an eye out to make sure you don’t miss a premiere date.
