From Salon · Jasmine Mithani, The 19th · · 1m 20s
Arizona House candidate shared rape story while fixing campaign signs
Arizona House candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia revealed she was raped while repairing campaign signs in August.
In brief
Arizona House candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia revealed she was raped while repairing campaign signs in August. Arizona Democratic House candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia said she was raped on August 14 while fixing campaign signs, leading her to speak out about survivor support. Originally reported by Salon.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia
Arizona Democratic House candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia shared her rape story for the first time.
“I’d always considered myself a strong person, and so I was embarrassed”
August 14 attack
Greene-Placentia said she was raped around 2 a.m. on August 14 while fixing campaign signs to avoid heat and traffic.
“an attacker knocked her out around 2 a.m. on August 14”
Survivor's account
She said a man pulled his penis out of her and another man touched her but backed off after she fought back.
“a man was pulling his penis out of her”
Initial hesitation
Greene-Placentia initially hesitated to report the assault due to embarrassment and feeling strong.
“I’d always considered myself a strong person, and so I was embarrassed”
Reported two weeks later
She called Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office two weeks after the assault to report it.
“two weeks later she called the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office”
Rape underreporting
FBI data shows fewer than 1 in 3 rape cases are cleared since September 2021, highlighting underreporting.
“fewer than 1 in 3 rape cases have been cleared since September 2021”
Current campaign
Greene-Placentia is challenging Republican incumbent Abe Hamadeh in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
“challenging the Republican incumbent Abe Hamadeh”
Campaign response
Hamadeh’s campaign urged thorough investigation of the allegations and camera footage to prosecute the crime.
“I have read the disturbing story and call upon authorities to investigate these serious allegations thoroughly”
The main idea
Arizona Democratic House candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia said she was raped on August 14 while fixing campaign signs, leading her to speak out about survivor support.
