Mariska Hargitay: Joyful Heart Foundation Gala

Mariska Hargitay helps support the 2010 Joyful Heart Foundation Gala at Skylight SOHO on Wednesday (May 5) in New York City.

The 46-year-old Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress started the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, which works to foster a community that turns toward the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Such a community, empowered with knowledge, courage and compassion, can support survivors of this violence and engage in an open dialogue about how to collaboratively end the cycle of violence and abuse.

Mariska writes, “My work with the Joyful Heart Foundation has brought me into contact with so many remarkable people over the years, and they continue to reinforce that profound lesson. Now we have an opportunity to apply that lesson together, and embrace the promise of change.”

15+ pictures inside of Mariska Hargitay at the Joyful Heart Foundation Gala…