In her years playing Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Mariska Hargitay has seen her fair share of fictional -- but all too realistic -- cases.
On Tuesday night, she tweeted her support of Kesha, who has been fighting to nullify a record contract that ties her career to the man she claims has sexually abused her, producer Dr. Luke.
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For many survivors, speaking out is the hardest part. It’s also only the first step. Sending u strength @KeshaRose as u move through this.— Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) February 23, 2016
Hargitay's off-screen show of support is nothing new. She founded The Joyful Heart Foundation, which helps victims of sexual assault, child abuse and domestic violence, in 2004. It holds therapeutic programs for victims -- including meditation, journaling and swimming with dolphins -- in addition to education and advocacy services.
Hargitay launched the foundation after letters from SVU fans inspired her to take real-life action.
"I started getting fan mail from survivors who felt a connection to Olivia. In many of these letters, people would disclose their personal stories of abuse -- some for the very first time," Hargitay told TV Guide in 2010. "I remember getting the sense that many were living in isolation with so much shame, but the shame belonged to the perpetrators."