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Mariska Hargitay is asking people everywhere to "Do the KIND Thing" in support of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a non-profit which helps survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

To create our list of the 10 most influential TV actresses working today, we looked at all aspects of a star's potential influence — from ratings to salaries to Twitter followers to awards. Mariska Hargitay is featured for her work in Law and Order: SVU.

When I began my role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, my eyes were opened to the staggering statistics of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. But what really opened my eyes -- and subsequently my heart -- was the fan mail I started receiving. Instead of asking for an autographed photo and telling me about their favorite episodes, survivors were disclosing their stories of abuse -- many for the first time.

Emmy award-winning actress of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Mariska Hargitay is encouraging people everywhere to “Do the KIND Thing” in support of her Joyful Heart Foundation, which is her non-profit organization that helps empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

Of course, if there’s any TV expert on the nitty-gritty of New York police work, it’s Hargitay. Entering her 14th season as Detective Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, the franchise darling has a special connection to her character.

Actress Mariska Hargitay was the featured guest at “Joyful Mele” at The Kahala Resort on Saturday, Sept. 1. The benefit for the Joyful Heart Foundation in Hawaii will help raise funds to aid the organization’s mission to end sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse in Hawaii.

Pictures from the Joyful Heart Foundation's September 1st Joyful Mele Gala in Honolulu

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann attended the Joyful Heart Foundation's Inaugural Joyful Mele Gala in Honolulu, Hawaii September 1.

Nalani Holliday, owner/buyer of Red Pineapple in Ward Centre, has been a longtime supporter of Joyful Heart Foundation. It’s a not for profit organization founded by actress Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson on the popular TV series, “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”

For many actors, there's one break-out role that forever changes a career. For actress Mariska Hargitay, a star turn as Detective Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" has meant forever changing the lives of victims of sexual assault, child abuse and domestic violence through her Joyful Heart Foundation.