Mariska Hargitay Reflects on 25 Years as Detective Olivia Benson: Balancing Trauma, Motherhood, and Advocacy

For over two decades, Mariska Hargitay has portrayed one of television’s most iconic characters, Detective Olivia Benson, on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). While Benson’s fight for justice has captivated audiences, Hargitay recently opened up about the emotional toll the role has taken on her. In a candid interview, she discussed the secondary trauma she’s experienced after years of portraying cases of sexual violence and abuse on-screen. She also revealed how she’s balanced her career with motherhood, and her journey as an advocate for victims of abuse in real life.

Secondary Trauma: The Cost of Playing Olivia Benson
Since debuting on Law & Order: SVU in 1999, Mariska Hargitay has been at the forefront of some of television's most gut-wrenching stories. The show’s "ripped from the headlines" approach means many of the crimes Benson investigates mirror real-life horrors. Over time, Hargitay admits, it began to weigh heavily on her.

In an interview with Interview magazine alongside Selena Gomez, Hargitay opened up about the emotional challenges of embodying such a complex role. “I think I was definitely a victim of secondary trauma,” she explained. Secondary trauma, also known as compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals are indirectly exposed to traumatic experiences—something Hargitay faced through her role.

“My husband, Peter, jokes that the first question I ask when we travel is, ‘What’s the crime rate here?’ It’s always on my mind,” she said. “There were parts I didn’t know how to metabolize because of the sheer volume of the stories.” Despite the emotional toll, Hargitay remains committed to her role, drawing strength from her character’s fight for justice.

Turning Trauma Into Advocacy
Hargitay’s experiences on SVU led her to create the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, a nonprofit that provides support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The organization focuses on trauma-informed care and advocacy, aiming to reform policies and improve access to justice for survivors.

“Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma and shifting how the public views and responds to these crimes,” reads a statement from the nonprofit’s website. Hargitay’s dedication to helping real-life victims shows that her passion for justice extends beyond the screen, turning her own trauma into a force for good.

Balancing Motherhood and a Demanding Career
While SVU has been a central part of Hargitay’s life, her role as a mother is just as important. Married to actor Peter Hermann, Hargitay and her husband share three children: August, Amaya, and Andrew, the latter two adopted. In her interview, Hargitay opened up about how she’s found a way to balance her high-pressure job with family life.

“There were days where the nanny did a little extra, and that was hard,” Hargitay admitted. “But I brought [my oldest son] to work with me every day for the first year. And you can, too. It’s doable.”

Hargitay’s ability to integrate her children into her work schedule has led to a more “fuller” life. “My kids are really proud of me,” she said. “And when I’m with them, I’m with them.”

Her openness about the challenges of balancing work and family is something many working parents can relate to. Hargitay’s story serves as a reminder that while success comes with sacrifices, finding balance is possible.

25 Years of Law & Order: A Career to Remember
With 25 years under her belt and season 26 of Law & Order: SVU on the horizon, Hargitay says she still can’t believe how much time has passed. “It totally feels crazy. I’m in denial about it,” she told Interview.

Despite the long hours and the emotionally charged scenes, Hargitay remains dedicated to her craft. “There’s so much to do and so many problems to fix. You just do it,” she said. “I feel a little bit like I woke up one day and it was 25 years later.”

Born in Santa Monica, California, to Hollywood royalty Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay’s journey into acting seemed destined. Yet, her career took an unexpected turn when she landed the role of Olivia Benson, a character that would not only shape her career but define it. Over the years, Hargitay has earned both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Benson, and she has left an indelible mark on television history.

 A Legacy of Strength, On-Screen and Off
Mariska Hargitay’s 25-year journey on Law & Order: SVU is one of resilience, both in front of the camera and behind it. From navigating the emotional weight of her character’s stories to creating a nonprofit that advocates for victims, Hargitay has turned trauma into empowerment. Whether she’s playing Olivia Benson or taking her children to set, Hargitay embodies strength, compassion, and dedication. And as she looks ahead to another season, one thing is clear: her legacy is far from over.