- Mariska Hargitay's opens up about overcoming sexual assault
- The 'Law & Order: SVU' star shares her journey to healing
- Hargitay recounts her experience in her own words
In an emotionally charged revelation, Mariska Hargitay (59), the beloved star of 'Law & Order: SVU,' shared her harrowing experience of sexual violence in a candid interview with 'PEOPLE'. The actress, who has long been an advocate for survivors, bravely disclosed details of her own assault and the path to recovery that followed.
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A friend turned predator
"It wasn’t sexual at all. It was dominance and control," Hargitay recounted, describing the traumatic incident where a man she once considered a friend overpowered her. Despite her attempts to defuse the situation, she found herself trapped in a nightmare of sexual violence. "I was terrified," she admitted.
For years, Hargitay struggled with acknowledging the assault, even to herself. "I removed it from my narrative," she explained, highlighting the complex psychological defense mechanisms survivors often employ to cope with trauma. It wasn't until she began to openly discuss the incident with her inner circle that she started to confront the reality of what had happened.
Healing in the spotlight
As Hargitay navigated her healing journey, she found solace in her work, both on-screen and through her foundation, Joyful Heart, which is dedicated to helping other survivors of abuse. She draws strength from the survivor community, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and shared resilience.
With a renewed determination, Hargitay is calling for a societal shift in how we view sexual assault survivors. She envisions a world where victims are met with the same support and admiration as those who overcome other life-threatening challenges, like cancer. "The shame of the act belongs with the perpetrator," she declared.
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A personal quest for justice
Justice, as Hargitay pointed out, can take many forms. For her, it involves acknowledgment and apology from the perpetrator. While it won't erase the past, it's a crucial step in her healing process.
Despite the ordeal, Hargitay refuses to let this chapter define her. As she approaches her 60th birthday, she remains a figure of courage and compassion, continuing her advocacy work and inspiring countless others with her story.
