Last season of Law and Order SVU was critically acclaimed for being one of star Mariska Hargitay's best years ever. Hargitay's character Olivia Benson went through a lot, including finally becoming a mother.

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"It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, hands down, acting-wise," Hargitay said to EmmyWrap about this SVU season. Although it was difficult, after 15 seasons Hargitay was up for the challenge.

"I love that it happened to me," the actress said. "Violence happens to anybody. I wanted to show how horrible it is. There's an archaic belief system about sexual violence - blame it on what she's wearing, she was drunk, he was a nice guy, she's a slut. A lot of things. But if you're like me - a bada--, gun-wielding, fearless lioness - and even she can be a victim of sexual assault, that says something."

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Hargitay's character is known for being fearless, but the actress admits that when her partner Chris Meloni left, she thought she may have been done with the long-running drama, too.

"We discussed the arc of the season and what I want the end for Olivia to be. But we are in this arc that has challenged me so deeply, I'm more on fire than I've
 ever been," Hargitay said. "I thought, 'There's more to mine here.' So Warren [Leight, the show's co- writer] knows I'll go anywhere, and he'll go anywhere. I'm still here because I'm happy."

Law and Order SVU was renewed again and is expected to come back September 24.

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