It's no secret that the detectives on the NBC hit show Law and Order: SVU tackle some very tough cases on the show.

New 'Law & Order: SVU' Episode 'Pattern Seventeen' 

While this show may be fictional, producers often use 'ripped for the headlines' cases and other sexually based offenses as the fuel behind the creation of the riveting show.

These episodes tackle real life situations that often times may hit very close to home.

New Ray Rice Episode Of 'SVU' Finally Aired

A few weeks ago, producers used a story line that focused on a former sports player turned broadcaster who assaulted his girlfriend. This story may sound familiar, because the episode was based on the Ray Rice domestic violence case.

In a brand new episode, detectives are dealing with a serial rapist on the loose, and for actress Mariska Hargitay, this topic is very important to her.

On Tuesday, the actress took to Twitter to share a very important message with fans of the show.

In the message Hargitay says, "On tomorrow's #SVU we're covering an important topic to me and @TheJHF... the #rapekitbacklog is our #1 advocacy priority. #EndTheBackLog."

JHF, also known as 'Joyful Heart Foundation,' is an organization that heals, educates and empowers survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuses, all cases dealt with on the show.

It's apparent that while Hargitay only plays a detective on the show, off the screen, she is still an advocate for helping those involved in special cases.

Fans can watch Hargitay every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Tags: Law And Order SVU nbc mariska hargitay