Mariska Hargitay, star of Law & Order: SVU, is making a real-world impact by supporting women who are suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse. Through her Joyful Heart Foundation and various initiatives, she helps empower survivors to reclaim their lives and heal from trauma. Discover the ways Hargitay is changing the lives of women in need.
Mariska Hargitay’s Lifelong Mission to Support Women Suffering from Abuse
Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, has used her celebrity to become a strong advocate for women suffering from domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Through her foundation, the Joyful Heart Foundation, Hargitay has dedicated herself to providing survivors with the support they need to heal and thrive after trauma.
The power of her work lies in both her personal commitment and her ability to elevate the voices of women who have been marginalized and silenced by society. By leveraging her fame, Hargitay has built a platform that shines a light on critical issues such as sexual violence, domestic abuse, and the barriers to justice that many survivors face.
Empowering Survivors through the Joyful Heart Foundation
At the heart of Mariska Hargitay’s advocacy is her Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2004. The foundation’s mission is clear: to support survivors of abuse and sexual assault and to transform society’s response to these issues. One of the key ways Hargitay helps women who are suffering is by providing direct support services such as counseling, legal assistance, and emergency financial aid for victims of abuse.
The foundation also works to reclaim a sense of joy for survivors, helping them rebuild their lives after trauma. “Reclaiming your joy is part of reclaiming your life,” Hargitay explains. “We’re here to help you rediscover yourself and your power, and remind you that what happened to you doesn’t define who you are.”
In addition to its direct services, the Joyful Heart Foundation also raises awareness about the long-lasting effects of abuse and the systemic changes needed to support survivors. By advocating for policies such as the elimination of rape kit backlogs and improved responses from law enforcement, Hargitay is working to create a society where women are no longer left to suffer in silence.
The Purple Leash Project: Supporting Survivors and Their Pets
In a groundbreaking initiative, Hargitay has partnered with Purina and the RedRover nonprofit on the Purple Leash Project, a program designed to help domestic violence shelters across the U.S. become pet-friendly. This project addresses a critical barrier faced by many women suffering from domestic abuse: the inability to bring their pets with them when seeking refuge.
Studies have shown that nearly half of all domestic violence survivors delay leaving their abuser because they fear for the safety of their pets. Hargitay’s Purple Leash Project works to break down this obstacle by expanding the number of shelters that accept pets. For many survivors, their animals provide a crucial source of comfort and emotional support. By ensuring that women and their pets can escape together, Hargitay is giving them a vital lifeline toward safety and healing.
“I’ve seen firsthand the profound bond between survivors and their pets,” Hargitay says. “For so many women, their animals are their only source of unconditional love and comfort, especially in their darkest times. We need to make sure they don’t have to choose between their safety and the safety of their pets.”
Raising Awareness and Challenging the Stigma Around Abuse
Hargitay’s work goes beyond providing direct services to survivors; she is committed to changing the cultural narrative around abuse. One of the most important ways she helps women suffering from violence is by breaking the silence and stigma that surrounds these issues.
In her advocacy, Hargitay encourages survivors to speak out about their experiences and reminds them that the shame should be placed on the perpetrator, not the victim. “Get the taboo off the survivor and put it on the perpetrator,” she insists. “The stigma belongs on the abuser, not on the person who’s been hurt.”
By challenging the silence and pushing these conversations into the mainstream, Hargitay is making it easier for women to come forward, share their stories, and seek justice. Her work in raising awareness about the epidemic of sexual violence, as well as the underreported issue of untested rape kits, has been instrumental in creating momentum for reform in the criminal justice system.
Mariska Hargitay’s Unwavering Support for Women
Mariska Hargitay’s tireless advocacy and commitment to helping women suffering from abuse have changed countless lives. Through her foundation, partnerships like the Purple Leash Project, and her efforts to shift societal attitudes toward sexual violence and domestic abuse, Hargitay has proven that one person can make a real difference in the fight for justice and healing.
Her message to survivors is powerful and simple: “You are not alone. You have the right to reclaim your life, your joy, and your power.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence or sexual assault, reach out for help. Visit the Joyful Heart Foundation’s website to learn more about the resources and support available to survivors.
Together, we can create a world where women are no longer forced to suffer in silence.
