Mariska Hargitay Discusses Trauma from SVU Role

Mariska Hargitay has revealed that her role as Detective Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: SVU' has led to significant personal challenges, including secondary trauma from the show's intense focus on sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. In an interview with Selena Gomez, she expressed that the emotional weight of portraying these stories has affected her mental health and perceptions of safety. The actress founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors and advocate for change, motivated by the alarming statistics she learned while working on the show. Hargitay emphasized the importance of coping mechanisms and support systems for those in demanding professions dealing with similar content. The foundation aims to address issues like the backlog of untested rape kits, highlighting Hargitay's commitment to making a difference. Her candid discussion serves as a reminder of the broader implications of trauma in media representation and the need for awareness around these societal issues.