Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU,” recently opened up about her personal experience with sexual violence during a candid interview on the podcast “Call Her Daddy.” Hargitay reflected on how her portrayal of characters affected by trauma provided her with the compassion and understanding necessary to confront her own past, which she first discussed in an essay for People last year.
In her essay, she revealed that she was sexually assaulted in her thirties by a former friend but struggled with denial, hesitant to label herself as a victim or survivor. During her conversation with host Alex Cooper, herself a survivor of sexual harassment, Hargitay expressed how difficult it was to process her trauma. “So many people blame themselves — myself included,” she noted, highlighting the struggle to come to terms with an experience that seemed insurmountable despite her ability to overcome other challenges through intellect and humor.
Hargitay eventually reached a point where it became clear to her what had happened, and when she decided to share her story publicly, she was driven by the hope that it would resonate with others. Acknowledging the assumptions people might have about her based on her character, she said, “I know that people project on me and think, ‘She’s so this, she’s so that, it could never happen to her.’ Well, guess what? It did.”
Throughout the discussion, Hargitay emphasized the importance of understanding trauma’s impact and the steps she took to heal. She expressed gratitude for her previous denial, recognizing it as a protective measure that allowed her to prepare for the moment when she was ready to confront her experience. Hargitay shared that healing requires self-support and building a strong infrastructure within oneself, coupled with external support.
This powerful message serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding, compassion, and the journey of healing for survivors of sexual violence. Hargitay’s willingness to share her truth not only personalizes the wider conversation about sexual assault but also encourages others facing similar battles to seek support and understanding in their own healing processes.