Mariska Hargitay disclosed this week that she’s a survivor of sexual assault, a revelation that several advocacy organizations supporting victims commend her for.
The actress wrote a poignant piece for People this week, detailing her experience of being raped by an individual she considered a friend in her 30s. While she does not specify the timeframe, she recalls the incident vividly.
She expressed, “I tried all the ways I knew to get out of it. I tried to make jokes, to be charming, to set a boundary, to reason, to say no. He grabbed me by the arms and held me down. I was terrified. I didn’t want it to escalate to violence. I now know it was already sexual violence, but I was afraid he would become physically violent. I went into freeze mode, a common trauma response when there is no option to escape. I checked out of my body.”
Following the assault, Mariska attempted to erase this incident from her memory and suppress it. However, it remains a significant part of her life, evident in her establishment of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting sexual assault survivors.
Notably, she has portrayed Det. Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ for many years, a character dedicated to apprehending perpetrators of such crimes.
Mariska has been lauded for sharing her ordeal, and various advocacy groups, including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, intend to demonstrate further appreciation and support for her.
Representatives from all four organizations informed TMZ that Mariska’s decision to come forward helps dispel the stigma surrounding victims’ reluctance and shame in sharing their experiences, emphasizing the significant impact of her actions on countless other individuals.
Scott Berkowitz of RAINN stated, “Mariska Hargitay has already done so much for survivors of sexual violence through her career and her foundation. To now share her personal story is another brave and important act, and we stand by her and all survivors who take this step.”
All the organizations mentioned highlighted the parallels between Mariska’s narrative and the collective experiences of victims, underscoring the empowering effect of openly addressing such traumas. Her high-profile disclosure is seen as instrumental in paving the way for others to come forward.
Mariska herself acknowledged, “The experience was horrible. But it doesn’t come close to defining me, in the same way that no other single part of my story defines me. No single part of anyone’s story defines them.”
### FAQ
1. **Who is Mariska Hargitay?**
Mariska Hargitay is an actress widely known for portraying Detective Olivia Benson on the television series ‘Law & Order: SVU.’
2. **What is the Joyful Heart Foundation?**
The Joyful Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Mariska Hargitay, aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault.
3. **Which advocacy groups have commended Mariska Hargitay for sharing her story?**
Advocacy groups such as the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault have expressed their support and appreciation for Mariska Hargitay’s bravery in disclosing her personal experience.
### Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s public acknowledgment of her experience of sexual assault has garnered widespread support and admiration from advocacy organizations working to empower survivors and address the stigma surrounding such traumas. Her openness is not only a testament to her resilience but also serves as an inspiration for others to speak out and seek support. Through her foundation and her portrayal of a dedicated detective on screen, she continues to advocate for victims of sexual violence, leaving a meaningful impact on the community.