In a rare and candid interview, Mariska Hargitay opened up about her life, career, and the causes that mean the most to her. As the star of *Law & Order: SVU*, Hargitay has spent over two decades playing the role of Olivia Benson, a character that has made her a household name and a powerful advocate for survivors of abuse. But beyond the screen, Hargitay has also dedicated herself to real-world activism, founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Jumping right into the heart of her message, Hargitay shared that her work with SVU and her advocacy is deeply personal. She spoke of how playing Olivia Benson has shaped her perspective and ignited a lifelong passion to create change. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Hargitay remains committed to using her platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. In her words, the journey is far from over, but her mission to bring light and healing to survivors will continue to drive her both personally and professionally.