Mariska Hargitay is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her role as Captain Olivia Benson on the NBC drama series *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (SVU). She has starred in the show since its inception in 1999, becoming one of the longest-running actors in a primetime drama series. Beyond her acting career, Hargitay is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support and resources to survivors and works to change societal attitudes towards these issues.
