Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 15, 2024 8:31 pm GMT
Mariska Hargitay has been a prominent figure on television for over two decades, portraying Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU). Her role has not only made her a household name but also left a deep impact on her personal life. In a recent interview with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine, Hargitay opened up about the emotional toll her character has taken and the way it has changed her outlook on safety.
Understanding the Impact of Long-Term Acting
Hargitay, now starring in more than 550 episodes of SVU, admits that the character has shaped her thoughts and feelings significantly. She revealed, “When I started the show, I wasn’t aware of how deeply it would go into me.” This long-running role has brought her face-to-face with severe issues depicted in the series, including sexual assault and domestic violence, which are often rooted in real-life stories.
What initially began as a job turned into a deeply personal journey. Hargitay noted that her husband, Peter Hermann, often hears her ask, “What’s the crime rate here?” every time they visit a new place. This question reflects both her heightened awareness and the psychological consequences of her work.
Secondary Trauma: A Real Challenge
The actress spoke candidly about experiencing “secondary trauma,” a condition where individuals develop emotional distress due to exposure to trauma, even when they themselves are not direct victims. “There’s been times when I didn’t know how to protect myself,” she explained. As a result of regularly processing the traumatic stories portrayed on the show, Hargitay felt a burden that affected her life outside work.
This emotional weight prompted her to take action. In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation also spearheads initiatives like the End the Backlog project to address the issue of untested rape kits in the United States.
Raising Awareness Through Advocacy
Hargitay’s work on SVU has not only educated her but has also spurred her into becoming an advocate for change. She remarked, “I learned more about sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse than I ever thought about.” Initially, she was surprised by the prevalence of such issues, discovering staggering statistics during her first year on the show.
“It’s shocking to learn that one in three women will be assaulted and one in six men,” she shared. These revelations became a catalyst for her advocacy work, making her question why these topics weren’t more widely discussed.
Creating Positive Change
In combining her acting career with her philanthropic efforts, Hargitay feels a sense of fulfillment that transcends her performance on screen. She stated, “I think about that often.” For her, SVU has not only provided professional success but also an avenue for personal purpose, allowing her to contribute to the healing of those affected by trauma.
Through her foundation, Hargitay aims to promote awareness and ensure that survivors receive the support they need. Her work has positively influenced many lives, as she continues to strive for a safer and more informed society.
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s time on “Law & Order: SVU” shows how acting can connect with real life. She talks about how hard it can be to play her character, but she knows it’s important to help fight against the problems she sees on the show. Mariska works hard in her community and aims to make a difference beyond just acting. Her story reminds us that actors who take on tough roles feel a lot of responsibility. It also highlights how important it is to support victims of violence.
