Mariska Hargitay Says ‘I Was Definitely a Victim of Secondary Trauma’ From Acting on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and Asks Wherever She Goes: ‘What’s the Crime Rate Here?’

As a movie critic who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of television drama, I have to say that Mariska Hargitay‘s dedication and commitment to her role as Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is nothing short of remarkable. With over 25 years under her belt and more than 550 episodes aired, she has not only mastered the art of acting but has also become an advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse through her charity, the Joyful Heart Foundation.

Actress Mariska Hargitay, who won an Emmy for “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, recently had a conversation with Selena Gomez through Interview magazine. During the discussion, she admitted that she’s experienced some “secondary trauma” due to her long-term role in the NBC series, which began back in 1999 and is now preparing for its 26th season this fall. To date, the show has aired over 550 episodes.

She admitted that the show has had a profound impact on her since she first started. ‘I didn’t realize how much it would affect me,’ Hargitay explained. ‘My husband Peter, who also appears in the series, always jokes that whenever we go somewhere new, my first question is about the crime rate. It’s clear that the show stays with us.’

Hargitay went on to explain, “There have been moments when I wasn’t sure how to shield myself, and I believe I experienced secondary trauma due to being overwhelmed with these accounts and knowing they were real. The difficult aspects were those I didn’t know how to process, mainly because of the overwhelming amount. That’s why I established Joyful Heart [Foundation], so I could find solace in the thought that I was taking action.

In a conversation with EbMaster this year, Hargitay expressed that the world and society were in need of an Olivia Benson character when “SVU” first aired in 1999, as the cultural climate needed someone to discuss these difficult topics, advocate for survivors, and support victims. It was also during that same year she discovered that approximately one out of three women are sexual abuse survivors.

Hargitay stated that the training significantly influenced how he approached portraying this character, particularly in grasping the needs of survivors. It seems to have had a profound impact not just on his acting, but also on his overall lifestyle.

The Joyful Heart Foundation, established by Hargitay, assists individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse. Beginning October 3, catch the commencement of Season 26 of “Law & Order: SVU” on NBC. Visit Interview’s site to explore the complete discussion between Hargitay and Gomez.

2024-09-25 00:46

Mariska Hargitay Says ‘I Was Definitely a Victim of Secondary Trauma’ From Acting on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and Asks Wherever She Goes: ‘What’s the Crime Rate Here?’

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