Advocacy Groups Laud Mariska Hargitay’s Assault Survival Story
- Actress Mariska Hargitay has recently opened up about being a survivor of sexual assault committed by a person she considered a friend in her 30s. She described the incident, revealing she went into ‘freeze mode’, a common trauma response.
- Hargitay had previously tried to forget the incident but has since founded a non-profit organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation, aimed at helping survivors of sexual assault. She has also played Detective Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: SVU’, a character dedicated to catching sexual predators.
- 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 all praised Hargitay for sharing her experience. They believe her act of coming forward helps to strip away the stigma of victims feeling afraid or ashamed to speak their truth.
Mariska Hargitay’s Brave Revelation About Sexual Assault
Mariska Hargitay recently disclosed her personal experience of sexual assault, receiving widespread commendation from various victim advocacy organizations.
Details of the Assault
Hargitay shared a heartbreaking account of an assault she experienced in her thirties with People. She vividly recalls the incident, which she describes as an outright rape committed by a supposed friend.
The Impact of the Assault
The actress elucidates attempted escape strategies and the terror she felt during the assault. Subsequently, she tried to erase the incident from her memory, though the issue remains salient to her. This is evident in her establishment of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit focused on assisting survivors of sexual assault.
Hargitay’s Role as Detective Olivia Benson
Hargitay’s commitment to combating sexual violence is also reflected in her long-standing role as Detective Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: SVU’, a character dedicated to hunting down sexual predators.
Praise and Appreciation from Advocacy Groups
Several advocacy groups, including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network have expressed admiration for Hargitay’s courage in sharing her experience.
The Positive Impact of Hargitay’s Revelation
These organizations acclaim Hargitay’s disclosure as a positive step towards eradicating the stigma often associated with victims of sexual violence. Their representatives commend her contribution to promoting openness and truth, with Scott Berkowitz of RAINN saying, “…we stand by her and all survivors who take this step.”
The Power of Sharing Personal Experiences
Victim advocacy groups emphasize the empowering effect of Hargitay’s account, noting that it resonates with the experiences of many victims and encourages others to share their stories. Hargitay’s high-profile status helps to pave the way for this open dialogue about sexual assault.
A Single Experience Does Not Define a Person
Hargitay’s statement, “The experience was horrible. But it doesn’t come close to defining me…”, serves as a powerful reminder that no single event can define a person, providing hope and inspiration to fellow survivors.
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