HILLSBORO, Ore- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has been approved for a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects program. Working in partnership with Tualatin Valley Creates and the City of Hillsboro Cultural Arts Division, this funding will support the design and creation of a sculpture honoring crime victims to be prominently displayed on the Washington County Courthouse grounds and trauma-informed artwork for areas of the DA’s Office providing services for crime victims.
This office sought this funding to help improve the experiences of crime victims and witnesses who are often subjected to re-traumatization as they navigate the criminal justice process and relive past events. Grand jurors and jury members can also experience secondary trauma while they review evidence and testimony related to their assigned cases.
Carrie Sargavakian, Victim Assistance Senior Program Coordinator with the DA’s office, spearheaded this effort. Sargavakian and her team of victim advocates recognize artwork's healing and calming influence on those experiencing trauma.
“Through this public arts project, we hope to transform our public spaces through trauma-informed design to promote safety, tranquility, and healing, positively impacting how victims and the public experience the criminal justice system, Sargavakian said.
The DA’s office will also seek matching funds, bringing the total amount for this project to $50,000. District Attorney Kevin Barton believes this project will send a strong message of support to crime victims across the county.
“So much about the criminal court process is an ugly experience for victims—from the initial crime itself, to being retraumatized through multiple interviews, testimony, and cross-examinations,” said District Attorney Barton. “This unique effort is our attempt to make the experience a little bit better through beauty and art so that community members feel safe, supported, and welcome.”
“Receiving recognition and funding from an organization like the NEA is a major honor for the community,” said Karl LeClair, Public Art Supervisor for the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department. “The DA’s office is deserving of this recognition in seeing the value in increasing victim wellness through trauma-informed design and works of art by local artists. This is artistic expression at its best in serving to connect and improve the wellness of our community members.”
This office will work with project partners to commission local artists to submit design proposals. Our goal is to have all artwork completed and installed by the end of 2026.