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'SVU' Star Mariska Hargitay Urges People To Stop Using The Term 'Underage Women' When Talking About Sexual Assault Victims

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Jul. 19 2019, Updated 6:38 p.m. ET

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Mariska Hargitay made a bold statement on Instagram where she discussed the use of the term "underage women" when talking about sexual assault victims.

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The 55-year-old shared a message on Instagram about assault victims.

"Hey, everyone in media, stop saying and printing 'sex with underage women.' Underage women are children," the quote wrote.

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The Law & Order: SVU star is an advocate for sufferers of sexual abuse and is heavily involved in her foundation, Joyful Heart.

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The organization strives to help survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

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It was her role as Olivia Benson on SUV that inspired her to start the non-profit.

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A March 2019 episode of her NBC crime drama dealt with sexual assault and it was monumental for the mother of three. The episode, entitled Blackout, handled abuse survivors and their road to finding justice.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

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