Mariska Hargitay: Using Visibility to Support Survivors by Amanda Miller

During Women’s History Month, we often reflect on women who have shaped movements for safety, justice, and equality. Some of these leaders have worked through legislation, advocacy, or community organizing. Others have used their platforms to bring conversations about violence into the public eye.

One woman whose work has had a meaningful impact on discussions around sexual and domestic violence is Mariska Hargitay.

Many people know Hargitay for her role as Olivia Benson on the television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a character who investigates crimes involving sexual assault and abuse. While the show is fictional, the stories it portrays often reflect very real experiences faced by survivors. Through this role, Hargitay became aware of the scale of sexual violence and the gaps in support that many survivors encounter.

Over time, she began hearing directly from survivors who shared their own experiences. Many expressed how meaningful it was to see a character who listened, believed them, and fought for justice. These conversations inspired Hargitay to take action beyond the screen.

In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors and advocating for changes in community responses to sexual violence, domestic violence, and child abuse. Through education, policy work, and survivor-centered initiatives, the foundation has helped raise awareness about issues that often remain hidden or misunderstood.

One of the most visible areas of advocacy associated with the organization has been addressing the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits in the United States. For many survivors, these kits represent not only evidence but also a step toward accountability and healing. Bringing attention to this issue has helped spark national conversations about how systems can better support survivors seeking justice.

Hargitay has also spoken openly about the importance of believing survivors and creating environments where people feel safe coming forward. While media representation alone cannot solve the problem of violence, storytelling can influence how people understand it. When conversations about abuse, consent, and survivor support become more visible, stigma can be reduced, and communities can respond with greater compassion and accountability.

Work like this reminds us that awareness can be a powerful starting point. When people learn more about the realities of violence and the experiences of survivors, they are better equipped to challenge harmful norms and support safer communities.

During Women’s History Month, recognizing leaders like Mariska Hargitay highlights the many ways individuals can contribute to this work. Whether through advocacy, education, or amplifying survivor voices, each effort helps move the conversation forward.

Creating safer communities requires collective commitment, and the work of survivors, advocates, educators, and allies continues to shape a future where safety, respect, and dignity are possible for everyone.