Mariska Hargitay Works to Solve Real Crimes

Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," is making significant strides beyond the screen in advocating for sexual assault survivors. In a recent interview on NBC's "Today," journalist Andrea Canning highlighted Hargitay's financial support for Michigan prosecutor Kym Worthy, who uncovered over 11,000 untested rape kits. With the necessary funding, Worthy aims to test these kits and bring justice to countless victims, a mission that Hargitay has passionately backed. Hargitay, who has portrayed Benson since 1999, believes in the importance of her character as a voice for survivors. In a May interview with Variety, she expressed that the world needed a character like Olivia Benson to address these critical issues. Canning noted that the collaboration between Hargitay and Worthy is creating a "ripple effect" across the nation, positively impacting police departments and prosecutors' offices in their handling of sexual assault cases. In addition to her advocacy work, Hargitay's compassion was recently on display when she helped a lost child find her mother at a New York park during a filming break. Reflecting on the incident, she stated, "I did what any mother on this planet would do," showcasing her commitment to helping others both on and off the screen. Hargitay's efforts are further supported by the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2004 to transform society's response to sexual violence and support survivors. As her dual roles as an actress and advocate continue to intersect, Hargitay remains a powerful force for change in the fight against sexual assault.