Renowned for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law and Order: SVU and her advocacy for sexual assault survivors, Mariska Hargitay recently took a courageous step in opening up about her own experience in a heartfelt essay for People.
Hargitay’s Personal Revelation: In the candid essay, Hargitay disclosed that she had experienced sexual assault in her 30s, emphasizing that, like many survivors, she knew the assailant and felt a sense of detachment from her own body during the incident. Reflecting the common response to such traumatic events, she detailed how she attempted to erase the memory of the assault from her consciousness. “I couldn’t believe that it happened. That it could happen. So I cut it out. I removed it from my narrative,” wrote Hargitay. She expressed empathy for the part of herself that made that choice, acknowledging it as a coping mechanism that helped her survive. “Now I honor that part: I did what I had to do to survive.”
Aiming to Break the Silence and End Sexual Violence: Through her essay, Hargitay aims to alleviate the shame often associated with sexual assault survivors while echoing the mission of her iconic character, Detective Olivia Benson, to eradicate sexual violence entirely. She emphasized the role of accountability in addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence. Hargitay stated, “Sexual violence persists not because of something unchangeable in our human condition. It exists because power structures are in place that allow it to happen.”
Advocacy and Initiatives: In 2010, Hargitay’s nonprofit foundation, Joyful Heart, launched the End the Backlog initiative, focusing on the extensive number of untested rape kits in the United States. This effort aimed to shed light on systemic issues and promote accountability. Speaking about the initiative in a 2020 interview with People, Hargitay expressed disbelief at the situation, describing it as a clear reflection of societal problems. The foundation’s work was documented in the 2018 film, “I Am Evidence.”
Seeking Justice on Personal Terms: While Detective Benson pursues justice within the legal system, Hargitay’s perspective on accountability acknowledges the diverse paths survivors may take. “As for justice, it’s important to know that it may look different for each survivor,” she explained. In her case, Hargitay desires acknowledgment and an apology as crucial components of her healing journey.
