Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About Secondary Trauma from 'Law & Order: SVU'
Mariska HargitayRenowned actress Mariska Hargitay, known for her groundbreaking role as Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: SVU,' has candidly shared her experiences with secondary trauma from her 25-year journey with the series. In a revealing discussion with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine, Hargitay discussed the profound impact the show's heavy themes have had on her personal life.
Hargitay acknowledged the challenges of immersing herself in the world of especially heinous crimes, which often leaves a lingering effect. "When I started the show, I wasn't aware of how deeply it would go into me," she shared. This constant exposure to stories of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence has led Hargitay to experience what she describes as secondary trauma.
Reflecting on her journey, Hargitay mentioned her husband Peter Hermann's reaction to her newfound vigilance wherever she travels: "What's the crime rate here?" As the character Olivia Benson, Hargitay has spent years portraying the fight for justice, often bringing intense real-life issues to the screen, which has inevitably permeated her own life.
Hargitay also spoke about her efforts to transform these personal challenges into positive action. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors and reform societal responses to sexual assault and domestic violence. Through her foundation, Hargitay has been actively involved in advocating for the testing of backlogged rape kits, which has led to the identification of serial offenders.
As she continues to film for the upcoming 26th season of 'Law & Order: SVU,' Hargitay embraces her roles both as an actress and as a real-life advocate. Her growth over the years from feeling overwhelmed and powerless, to being an empowered figure aware of her worth and influence, mirrors the transformation she wants to see in the world. Her story is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice, both on and off the screen.
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