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mariska hargitay meaningful action has been called for respect virginia giuffredeceased survivors Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse. He argued that recognizing their courage should lead to lasting change.
Presenting the Courage Award in Giuffre’s memory at Equality Now’s annual Make Equality Reality Gala in New York City on October 21, the actress stressed the need for institutions and lawmakers to ensure justice and accountability to survivors.
Mariska Hargitay urges action beyond paying tribute to Virginia Giuffre at Equality Now event
forbes During her speech, Hargitay reflected on the challenges victims face when speaking out about sexual violence, including repeatedly recounting their experiences and enduring scrutiny, disbelief, and judgment.
Drawing from her experience listening to survivors through the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, she highlighted how much society expects victims to do while often failing to hold the powerful accountable.
“Virginia did all the things we ask survivors to do, and then some,” Hargitay said. He said Giuffre used her voice to bring society closer to a world where “no one is so powerful that they can’t be held accountable.”
However, the actress stressed that merely celebrating Giuffre’s bravery would not be enough. He urged courts, lawmakers and institutions to turn their courage into meaningful reforms, saying, “It is not enough to praise what Virginia did.”
Hargitay specifically pointed to legislation like Virginia’s law, saying it should help provide “justice, accountability and change.”
The ceremony, themed “Choose Courage”, also honored Gisele Pellicot, whose decision to go public with her sexual assault trial sparked an international conversation about victims’ rights, and her daughter Caroline Derian, an advocate against drug-induced sexual abuse. (via BBC)
The event brought together advocates and changemakers to discuss advancing gender equality through legal reform, storytelling, and institutional change, emphasizing the importance of turning individual acts of courage into lasting progress.