After enduring her own harrowing experience with sexual assault, Mariska Hargitay has channeled her pain into a powerful mission to aid other survivors of abuse and sexual violence. Her latest triumph has been pivotal in identifying nearly two dozen serial rapists through her substantial contributions to investigating over 11,000 sexual assault cases in Detroit, Michigan.
At 60, Hargitay remains widely recognized for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU,” where she portrays the resolute commander of a fictional Special Victims Unit in New York City. Benson’s unyielding quest to solve sexual crimes and bring offenders to justice mirrors Hargitay’s real-life commitment to supporting survivors.
In a compelling “life imitates art” moment, Hargitay’s dedication transcended the screen. According to the Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast, she played a crucial role in funding a mission led by prosecutor Kym Worthy. Worthy had uncovered more than 11,000 untested rape kits languishing in a police evidence room, a discovery that demanded immediate action and significant financial resources. As Dateline host Andrea Canning revealed on the “Today” show, “So who stepped in? None other than Law & Order’s Mariska Hargitay.” Her efforts helped raise the necessary funds, leading to the testing of the kits and the identification of 22 serial rapists. Canning highlighted the ripple effect of Hargitay’s contribution, noting that it is catalyzing widespread reforms in police departments and prosecutors’ offices across the country.
Hargitay’s personal experience with sexual assault profoundly shapes her empathy and advocacy. In a candid essay for People, she recounted the trauma of her assault, a painful experience she struggled to process. “He was a friend. Then he wasn’t,” Hargitay wrote, describing her terror and the struggle to protect herself from escalating violence. She detailed how she went into “freeze mode,” a common trauma response, and how she had to detach herself from the pain to survive.
The actress’s healing journey led her to establish the Joyful Heart Foundation, dedicated to helping survivors of abuse and sexual violence. “For a long time, I focused on creating a foundation to help survivors heal,” Hargitay shared, emphasizing that her work was both a personal and professional endeavor.
For those in need, the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline — 800.656.HOPE (4673) — offers free, 24/7 support. Hargitay’s story is a testament to the transformative power of turning personal pain into profound, impactful action.
