Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay explains show’s life-changing impact

Law & Order: SVU has been on for an incredible 19 years, and because of that Mariska Hargitay has had an opportunity over time to speak with many survivors of domestic violence. Within that span of time she’s underwent a transformation of her own, started the Joyful Heart Foundation, and really understood perhaps more than anyone else in entertainment that the impact that one television show and character can have on a larger world.

Hargitay made an appearance on The View this week and, in the process of that, did her part to explain the story of how she came to understand how important this show truly is. Back when she first started to play the role of Olivia Benson almost two decades ago, she used to receive many letters from viewers. However, these were not anywhere close to the same sort of letters that other fans received. Instead, these were letters from people who were also survivors of abuse speaking out, sometimes for the first time, about what they went through. This allowed Mariska to be able to do a little more research and understand more of the statistics.

Flash forward now to where we are today. Hargitay, much like the remainder of the SVU team both in front of and behind the camera, knows just how important a show this is. Being on the series is not just about having a job; it’s about speaking out for a cause that is something greater and understanding that this show for many is a form of healing. It tells stories that are at times difficult and unfortunately relatable, but there is a sense of purpose and drive to what these detectives and officers do. They receive the sort of justice often that everyone deserve.

It is this sort of purpose and cause that give us hope that SVU will be able to eventually last on the air for many more years. As of right now, it appears almost like a sure thing that there will be a season 20. Beyond that, it’s going to come down to what the network, cast, and crew want to do.

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Photo: NBC