Mariska Hargitay's Resilience: Triumphing Over Trauma after a Devastating Assault in her 30s
Mariska Hargitay bravely reflects on her traumatic experience of being raped in her 30s, but refuses to let it define her In a powerful essay, the resilient 'Law & Order: SVU' star shares her journey of overcoming trauma and emerging stronger than ever
Mariska Hargitay shared in a heartfelt personal essay that she was raped many years ago, emphasizing that she refuses to let the traumatic experience dictate her life.
"In my thirties, a man raped me," she wrote in her piece, which was featured in People magazine on Wednesday. "It wasn't about sex. It was about power and control. Overwhelming control."
Hargitay remembered the man as a "friend" and vividly described the experience. "I went into freeze mode, a typical response to trauma when there is no way to escape. I dissociated from my body," she remembered.
For many years, she dealt with her trauma privately by being a vocal advocate for sexual violence victims and by dedicating herself to her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization she established in 2004 to raise awareness about sexual violence and offer support to survivors.
She found a way to deal with the situation by pushing the experience out of her thoughts and simply doing what she needed to survive.
"Looking back, I can now see clearly what happened to me. I have a better understanding of how trauma affects our brain and memory," Hargitay expressed, explaining that her own experience was more than just an "unwanted" advance.
This is why I've emphasized acquaintance rape so much, as many still perceive rape as a stranger jumping out of the bushes," she explained. "But in my case, it was a friend who made the decision without my consent."
Acknowledging the pain of this part of her story, she emphasized that it does not define her and hopes that by sharing her experience, others who have faced sexual violence feel encouraged to speak out as well.
Hargitay is currently commemorating her 25-year milestone playing Olivia Benson on "SVU," where she has portrayed a character dedicated to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault and abuse.
In her essay, Hargitay paid tribute to the sexual assault survivors who have been inspired by the show, stating, "they have been my source of strength. They have endured the depths of darkness and cruelty, a complete lack of regard for another human being, and they have shown immense resilience to survive."
"Some people make Olivia Benson a central figure in their lives," she continued, expressing that it is "an immeasurable honor."
Hargitay concluded her essay by expressing gratitude for her current place in life, three decades after the experience. She acknowledged that she is "still proudly evolving," and shared that she feels renewed and filled with empathy for those who have endured similar struggles.
