Story perspectives

Mariska Hargitay Honored for Advocacy at TIME Forum

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mariska Hargitay, founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, was honored at the 2026 TIME Women of the Year Leadership Forum in West Hollywood on March 10 for three decades of advocacy and her directorial debut, the documentary My Mom Jayne.
The award recognized three decades of advocacy and her directorial debut, the documentary My Mom Jayne.
Her keynote urged destigmatizing sexual assault and domestic violence.
The Joyful Heart Foundation helped secure the Take It Down Act in 2025.
Her work continues to fuse entertainment with social change.

History

Historical Context

The Take It Down Act, passed in 2025, emerged from heightened awareness of online sexual exploitation, with Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation advocating for survivors. This legislative change reflects ongoing societal efforts to combat sexual violence and stigma, highlighted by Hargitay's recognition at the 2026 TIME Women of the Year Leadership Forum, emphasizing the intersection of entertainment and social justice in shaping public policy.

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Story summary

Mariska Hargitay, founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, was honored at the 2026 TIME Women of the Year Leadership Forum in West Hollywood on March 10 for three decades of advocacy and her directorial debut, the documentary My Mom Jayne.
The award recognized three decades of advocacy and her directorial debut, the documentary My Mom Jayne.
Her keynote urged destigmatizing sexual assault and domestic violence.
The Joyful Heart Foundation helped secure the Take It Down Act in 2025.
Her work continues to fuse entertainment with social change.

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