Mariska Hargitay’s dedication to justice extends far beyond her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Recently, Andrea Canning of Dateline NBC highlighted Hargitay’s real-world impact during a segment on the Today show, revealing how the actress’s remarkable efforts have significantly advanced justice in Michigan.
The story began with Kym Worthy, a Michigan prosecutor who uncovered a staggering backlog of over 11,000 untested rape kits languishing in storage. Faced with this daunting problem, Worthy was determined to test the kits but needed considerable funding to tackle the massive undertaking. Enter Mariska Hargitay, who stepped into the breach with unwavering support. According to Canning, “Who came to the rescue? None other than Mariska Hargitay from Law & Order.” Hargitay’s dedicated fundraising efforts made it possible to process these kits, leading to the resolution of thousands of sexual assault cases and the identification of 22 serial rapists. This collaboration between Worthy and Hargitay has set off a powerful chain reaction, prompting positive changes in police departments and prosecutor’s offices nationwide.
Hargitay’s heroism doesn’t stop with her philanthropic work. Earlier this year, while filming the final episodes of SVU Season 25, Hargitay demonstrated her real-life compassion in a heartwarming incident. Mistaken for an actual NYPD officer by a young girl separated from her mother at Fort Tryon Park, Hargitay paused filming for 20 minutes to help the distressed child. Her immediate response and caring nature led to the child’s safe reunion with her family, showcasing the empathy and dedication that mirror her on-screen persona.
The young girl, unaware of the film crew or Hargitay’s co-star Ice-T, simply sought help from someone she believed to be a real police officer. Hargitay’s genuine kindness and swift action underscore the profound influence her character has had, blending the lines between fiction and reality in the most impactful way.
