Arizona Congressional Candidate Speaks Out About Assault Incident
An Arizona congressional candidate has come forward with a harrowing account of being attacked and raped while working on her campaign. Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a truck driver and entrepreneur, detailed the incident to the Phoenix New Times, revealing the profound impact it has had on her life.
Incident Details
According to Greene-Placentia, the attack occurred on August 14 at around 2 AM. While attempting to repair a damaged campaign sign in a parking lot, she was suddenly assaulted from behind. Her attacker struck her on the head, rendering her unconscious.
Upon regaining consciousness, Greene-Placentia discovered she was being raped by a man. In the midst of this violent act, a second assailant approached her, prompting her to react defensively. She recalled that the second man remarked, “Not even worth it,” before both of her attackers fled, leaving her incapacitated.
Aftermath and Personal Impact
The aftermath of the assault left Greene-Placentia with a hazy memory of the events that followed, noting that she struggled to recall how she managed to get home afterward. “It’s just these little tiny flashes of things that I do remember,” she expressed, emphasizing her difficulty in confronting the trauma.
She indicated that she may have suffered a concussion from the attack, as her body displayed multiple bruises. Initially, she felt embarrassed and opted against reporting the incident. However, she later recognized the importance of speaking out, particularly as she campaigned on issues concerning the welfare of Arizonans, including support for victims of sexual violence.
Decision to Speak Out
Greene-Placentia confided in her campaign staff and husband days after the attack, eventually reporting the incident to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office two weeks later. “Speaking publicly about what happened has been incredibly difficult for Bernadette,” a spokesperson for her campaign noted. “She chose to share her story because she knows many survivors struggle in silence.”
Her goal in sharing her experience is to foster an environment where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported. Greene-Placentia expressed, “I need to let women know that it’s OK to talk about it.”
Support and Resources for Survivors
In light of her experience, Greene-Placentia’s spokesperson emphasized the need for continued support for survivors of sexual violence. Friend and state representative Stephanie Simacek remarked on the disturbing nature of the incident, recognizing it as a wake-up call for many in the political landscape.
A spokesperson from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office refrained from making comments on the ongoing investigation as it unfolds.
How to Get Support
For those affected by sexual violence, resources are available:
- In the U.S., contact Rainn at 800-656-4673
- In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support at 0808 500 2222
- In Australia, assistance is available through 1800Respect at 1800 737 732
- International support can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
Greene-Placentia is currently running against incumbent Republican Abraham Hamadeh in her bid for Congress, aiming to make a difference not only in her community but also for survivors of sexual violence.
