Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy Award-winning actress known for her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson on NBC's 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,' has revealed the profound emotional impact her role has had on her over the past 25 years. In a recent conversation with Selena Gomez, Hargitay discussed the deep-seated effects of constantly dealing with the show's intense and often real-life stories of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Secondary Trauma and Emotional Toll
Hargitay admitted to experiencing secondary trauma from the sheer volume of the disturbing stories she has encountered on the show. 'When I started the show, I wasn't aware of how deeply it would go into me,' she said. Her husband, Peter Hermann, often jokes that wherever they travel, her first question is, 'What's the crime rate here?' This constant awareness reflects the lasting impact of the show's content on her daily life.
The actress described the difficulty in separating herself from the dark subject matter, stating, 'There were times when I didn't know how to protect myself, and I think I was definitely a victim of secondary trauma from being inundated with these stories and knowing that they were true.' This emotional burden has been a persistent challenge throughout her tenure on the show.
Philanthropic Efforts and Joyful Heart Foundation
In response to the emotional toll and her desire to make a difference, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. The non-profit organization is dedicated to transforming society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, and to supporting survivors' healing. Hargitay's involvement with the foundation has been a crucial aspect of her personal and professional journey, allowing her to feel that she is 'doing something about it.'
The foundation's work includes addressing the backlog of untested rape kits across the country. For instance, in collaboration with the Detroit Police Department, Joyful Heart helped test thousands of backlogged rape kits, leading to the identification of 22 serial rapists. This effort has had a significant ripple effect, influencing changes in police departments and prosecutors' offices nationwide.
Impact and Personal Fulfillment
Despite the emotionally demanding nature of her role, Hargitay expressed gratitude for how 'Law & Order: SVU' has enabled her to contribute positively to society. She noted that the show has 'exceeded my greatest expectationsnot just in terms of my career, but also regarding personal satisfaction.' By combining her acting with philanthropy, Hargitay feels a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Hargitay's commitment to raising awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence has been further amplified by movements like #MeToo and Time's Up. She believes that these collective efforts have led to a cultural shift, making the voices of survivors louder and more impactful.
As 'Law & Order: SVU' prepares to launch its 26th season, Hargitay's dedication to her role and her philanthropic work continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.
