Bernadette Greene‑Placentia, the Democratic candidate for Arizona’s 8th congressional district, disclosed that she was assaulted and raped while repairing a campaign sign in the Phoenix suburb of Sun City. According to an incident report filed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and shared with her campaign, the attack occurred on the night of August 14, around 2 or 3 a.m.
Details of the alleged assault
The report states that Greene‑Placentia was hit in the back of her head by two unknown men as she walked back to her vehicle. She lost consciousness and later awoke to one assailant concluding intercourse while holding her down. She described bruises on her arms from being restrained and recalled seeing her own feet as she fought back by kicking.
Greene‑Placentia does not remember the appearance of the attackers, noting only that one was wearing black boots and had small feet. She also recalled hearing one of the men use a derogatory term, though she could not confirm the exact wording.
Aftermath and investigation
Following the assault, Greene‑Placentia took three showers and a bath but did not seek medical treatment or a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam. She washed the clothing she was wearing, which may have eliminated potential DNA evidence, according to an investigator’s note.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office followed up on September 1, obtaining additional details about her injuries. She reported a significant bump on the left side of the back of her head and three vertical bruises on her left arm that resembled a handprint. She also experienced vaginal bleeding for two to three days after the incident and believes the assailants may have been White males.
Both men remain unidentified. Greene‑Placentia told investigators she did not report the assault until August 31, more than two weeks after it occurred, and initially confided only in her husband, Alexander Placentia, and two campaign staff members.
Political response
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, Greene‑Placentia’s Republican opponent, called for a thorough investigation, urging law enforcement to locate any possible camera footage and prosecute the crime to the fullest extent of the law.
Greene‑Placentia’s campaign spokesperson, Craig Beckman, said she chose to speak out because many survivors remain silent. “She hopes her story will encourage other survivors to come forward,” Beckman said.
Support resources
Victims of sexual assault in the United States can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1‑800‑656‑4673 or chat 24/7 at online.rainn.org for assistance.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
