Mariska Hargitay opens up about secondary trauma from ‘Law & Order: SVU’

A deep dive into the impact of long-term roles

Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy-winning star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” recently shared insights into the emotional toll of her long-standing role as Olivia Benson. In a candid discussion with Selena Gomez for Interview magazine, Hargitay revealed the profound effects of portraying a character entrenched in the grim realities of crime and justice for over two decades.

The weight of 25 years on ‘SVU’

Since its debut in 1999, “Law & Order: SVU” has captivated audiences with its intense and often harrowing storylines. As the show gears up for its 26th season this fall, Hargitay reflected on how deeply the role has affected her. “When I started the show, I wasn’t aware of how deeply it would go into me,” she admitted. The sheer volume of distressing stories has left a lasting impact, leading to what she describes as secondary trauma.

“My husband Peter [Hermann, who also has guest-starred on the series] is always like, anytime I go anywhere, my first question is, ‘What’s the crime rate here?’ So it’s on the brain.”

Navigating the emotional landscape

Hargitay’s journey with secondary trauma has been a complex one. She confessed to struggling with how to protect herself from the emotional burden of the stories she encounters. “There’s been times when I didn’t know how to protect myself,” she said. The reality that many of these stories are based on true events only intensified her emotional response.

To cope with this, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. “That’s also why I started Joyful Heart, so I would feel like, well, at least I’m doing something about it,” she explained.

The cultural impact of Olivia Benson

Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly survivors of sexual abuse. Reflecting on the show’s debut, she noted, “The world and the culture needed an Olivia Benson.” The character has become a symbol of hope and advocacy for many, embodying the fight for justice and support for victims.

“The training really informed how I wanted to play this character in terms of understanding what survivors needed. I think it informed my entire life.”

The ongoing legacy of ‘Law & Order: SVU’

As “Law & Order: SVU” prepares to launch its 26th season on October 3rd, the show’s legacy continues to grow. With over 550 episodes aired, it remains a powerful platform for addressing critical social issues and advocating for survivors. Hargitay’s dedication to her role and her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation underscore the profound impact that television can have on real-world issues.

For those interested in exploring more about Hargitay’s experiences and insights, the full conversation with Selena Gomez is available on Interview’s website.

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