Mariska Hargitay, the renowned actress from "Law & Order: SVU," has shared a harrowing personal experience.

In an essay for People magazine, she revealed being raped by someone she once considered a friend in her 30s.

A harrowing tale of betrayal and violence

Best known for her role as Captain Olivia Benson, Hargitay's revelation comes as a shock to many. Her character on the show has been a pillar of strength for victims of sexual crimes for over two decades. Hargitay's real-life experience, unfortunately, mirrors the traumatic events her character often deals with.

The actress described the attack not as a sexual act but one of "dominance and control." This chilling description highlights the often-overlooked aspect of sexual violence - the exertion of power over the victim.

Hargitay tried various methods to escape the situation, including humor, setting boundaries, and reasoning. However, she was physically restrained, leaving her terrified and helpless during the assault.

Struggle with acknowledgment and acceptance

For years, Hargitay struggled to process the incident. She chose to remove it from her narrative, a coping mechanism used by many survivors. This initial denial and suppression of the event is a common reaction among victims, stemming from shock and disbelief.

It was only over time, with support, that she began to acknowledge and understand the trauma and its impact on her life. Her journey towards healing reflects the complex and non-linear process that many survivors undergo.

Hargitay's husband, Peter Hermann, was among those to whom she initially downplayed the assault. This highlights how difficult it can be for survivors to share their experiences, even with those closest to them.

I tried all the ways I knew to get out of it. I couldn’t process it. I couldn’t believe that it happened. That it could happen. So I cut it out.

Turning pain into advocacy

Despite the trauma, Hargitay has not allowed the experience to define her. Instead, she founded Joyful Heart, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. This move from victim to advocate showcases her resilience and dedication to helping others in similar situations.

Her advocacy is further strengthened by her portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson, a character who has become a symbol of justice for victims of special crimes, including sexual assault. Hargitay's personal and professional lives have thus intertwined uniquely, allowing her to extend support to real-life survivors through her on-screen role.

As she approaches her 60th birthday, Hargitay is advocating for a change in the societal conversation about sexual violence. She calls for a shift in perspective, where the shame associated with such acts is placed on the perpetrators, not the victims.

A call for change and acknowledgment

Hargitay's story is not just about her struggle and recovery; it's a broader call to society. She seeks acknowledgment from her assailant and an apology, though she has not named him. This stance is significant as it focuses on the accountability of the perpetrator.

Her story is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors. Hargitay emphasizes that while the experience was painful, it does not wholly define her.

Hargitay aims to inspire and empower others who have experienced similar trauma through her advocacy and personal revelations. She wants to change the narrative around sexual violence, focusing on survivor strength and perpetrator accountability.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

Mariska Hargitay's story offers several important lessons and tips for both individuals and society as a whole:

1. Acknowledge and Understand Trauma: Recognizing and understanding the impact of sexual violence is crucial for healing and recovery.
2. Support Systems Matter: Having a strong support system, including friends, family, and professional help, is vital for survivors to process and overcome their trauma.
3. Advocacy and Action: Turning personal pain into advocacy and action can be a powerful way to help others and change societal narratives around sexual violence.
4. No Shame for the Victim: Shifting the shame from the victim to the perpetrator is essential, as the latter is solely responsible for the act.

However, it's important to remember that despite taking precautions and being aware, anyone can be a victim of crime. Victim blaming must be avoided at all costs.

Why this story matters

Mariska Hargitay's revelation is more than just a personal story; it's a powerful narrative that sheds light on the realities of sexual violence. It's a reminder that anyone can be a victim of such heinous acts regardless of their public persona or professional success. Her courage in sharing her story publicly helps in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual assault. The community must understand, support, and stand with survivors, reinforcing the message that the shame of such acts lies entirely with the perpetrator.

• Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in "Law & Order: SVU," revealed her personal experience with sexual violence.
• She was assaulted by someone she once considered a friend in her 30s.
• Hargitay founded Joyful Heart, an organization supporting survivors of sexual violence.
• She advocates for a societal shift in the conversation about sexual violence, emphasizing survivor strength and perpetrator accountability.