Mariska Hargitay fights back against sexual assault

  via hilary-swank.orgLaw and Order star Mariska Hargitay recently fought for justice off-screen by hosting the first annual Joyful Heart Gala to benefit victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.

Inspired by her work on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit-- where she became conscious of how difficult it is to cope with sexual attacks-- Hargitay established the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to raise awareness for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

A handful of stars recently joined Hargitay to at her Gala to celebrate the Foundation’s work with such victims, and to support Hargitay’s personal contributions as well.  Such celebs included co-host Hillary Swank, Marcia Gay Harden, Bobby Flay, and Jill Hennessy, who all helped raise over $1.2 million for Hargitay’s Foundation.