Mariska Hargitay Advocates for Shifting Blame in Sexual Assault Cases on "Call Her Daddy" Podcast

In a recent episode of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, acclaimed actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay shared profound insights on shifting the narrative surrounding sexual assault. Hargitay, widely recognized for her role as Olivia Benson in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," emphasized the critical importance of placing blame on perpetrators rather than survivors. During the interview, Hargitay passionately articulated her view on language, stating, "Women say, 'I was raped.' Where's the perpetrator in that?" She advocated for a shift to direct language, such as "He raped me," asserting that this approach helps survivors reclaim their experience and assign responsibility correctly. "It has to be named. He raped me. Name it," she urged. Further, Hargitay discussed the process of healing and self-compassion. She highlighted the necessity of allowing oneself to process trauma at their own pace. "Being able to slow down, notice a feeling, and honor it, not have to do anything. You take the pressure off," she explained. She also stressed the importance of gaining clarity and not blaming oneself for the actions of another. "I have clarity about what happened, and I don't blame myself at all. My unconscious and my whole being did what I had to do to survive," Hargitay shared, underscoring the innate resilience of survivors. "I dealt with mine when I was ready."