Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay has opened up about the emotional toll of portraying the dark subject matter on the long-running drama series. In a recent interview with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine, Hargitay revealed that the heavy subject matter of the show sometimes makes her feel like a victim of “secondary trauma.” The actress, who plays the role of Olivia Benson, confessed that delving into the world of crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence can be challenging to shake off.
Hargitay admitted that when she first started on the show, she was not fully aware of how deeply the content would affect her. She shared that her husband, Peter, always asks about the crime rate wherever they go, showing how the show’s themes have seeped into her daily life. The actress explained, “There’s been times when I didn’t know how to protect myself, and I think I was definitely a victim of secondary trauma from being inundated with these stories and knowing that they were true.”
Despite the toll it takes on her, Hargitay found a silver lining in her role on the show. The eye-opening experience inspired her to establish the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to address the issues of assault and violence against women. She expressed her shock at the statistics she uncovered, stating, “I learned that one in three women will be assaulted, and one in six men. That’s when I started going, ‘I have to do something,’ because the show was obviously tackling the subject matter, but when I learned the statistics, I said, ‘Why isn’t everyone talking about this?’ And if I didn’t know, I figured nobody knows what an epidemic violence against women is.”
Creating a Positive Impact
Despite the challenging nature of her work, Hargitay remains grateful for the opportunity to use her platform to give back and create awareness about these important issues. She highlighted the importance of merging her acting career with her philanthropic endeavors, stating, “I knew that [Law & Order creator] Dick Wolf had this incredible track record, and I knew how smart he was and how respectful he was of his audience. But this has surpassed my wildest dreams in terms of a career, but also in terms of personal fulfillment—that I could marry my acting with my philanthropy or with a personal mission to have a part in people’s healing. I think about that often.”
The actress acknowledged the impact of the show’s subject matter on her mental and emotional well-being but emphasized the importance of taking action and making a difference. She credited the show for shedding light on these critical issues and sparking important conversations about violence and abuse. Through her foundation, Hargitay continues to advocate for survivors and work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by such crimes.
Looking Towards the Future
As Law & Order: SVU gears up for its 26th season premiere, Hargitay remains dedicated to her role and the mission of raising awareness about the prevalence of violence against women. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of a show that tackles such important and impactful topics, despite the challenges it presents. The actress’s commitment to using her platform for positive change serves as an inspiration to fans and viewers alike.
In conclusion, Mariska Hargitay’s candid revelations about the emotional toll of portraying difficult subject matter on Law & Order: SVU highlight the importance of raising awareness about issues such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. Through her work on the show and her foundation, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the fight against violence and advocate for survivors. As the series continues to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling, Hargitay’s dedication to creating a safer and more supportive world for all remains unwavering.