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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay was all smiles with son August, nearly 9, at the Joyful Heart Foundation’s ‘Joyful Revolution’ Gala in New York City on Wednesday (May 6).

In 2004, the actress founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to raise money and provide support for survivors of sexual assault.

As it turns out, Mariska’s role as Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC drama has not only earned her multiple awards and nominations, it has also educated her on the prevalence of sexual abuse.

“When I first did research for my role on SVU, I couldn’t believe the stats I was finding,” Mariska told HerScoop. “Then the letters started coming to me from viewers. First a few, then more, then hundreds, and thousands since then.”

The actress – who is the daughter of former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay and legendary actress Jayne Mansfield – is also mom to son Andrew, 3, and daughter Amaya, 3, with husband, actor Peter Hermann.

Also joined by her good pal Debra Messing, Mariska Instagrammed an image with her oldest child at the NYC gala.

“The #PerfectGentleman to have at my arm #TheyGrowUpSoFast #TheyGrowUpTooFast #JoyfulHeartGala2015 #MySonSaysNoMore #JoyfulRevolution,” she captioned the shot.

The #PerfectGentleman to have at my arm #TheyGrowUpSoFast #TheyGrowUpTooFast #JoyfulHeartGala2015 #MySonSaysNoMore #JoyfulRevolution

A photo posted by Mariska Hargitay (@therealmariskahargitay) on May 8, 2015 at 7:42am PDT

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Joyful Heart Foundation's 'Joyful Revolution' Gala
Joyful Heart Foundation's 'Joyful Revolution' Gala
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