Joe Biden, Law & Order star in ads against sex assault

WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden is teaming up with “Law & Order” star Mariska Hargitay to do television ads raising awareness about domestic violence.

NBC Universal says the public service announcements featuring Biden and Hargitay will appear on its USA Network on October 19 during a 14-hour marathon of “Law & Order” episodes. The marathon is being dubbed “No More Excuses” and the ads will encourage people to get involved in efforts to stop domestic violence and sexual assault.

Hargitay directed the ads, which will include dozens of other public figures.

Biden has long been an advocate for curbing domestic violence in the U.S., including through the Violence Against Women Act. He and Hargitay previously joined forces last October when they toured a domestic violence hotline operation together in Texas.

JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press