10/21/2026
Yesterday, A New Leaf was humbled to speak out for survivors of sexual violence alongside Congresswomen Yassamin Ansari, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. at a press conference in Phoenix.
The gathering came after Arizona congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia courageously shared her account of sexual violence while repairing campaign signs. Her story is a painful reminder of the scrutiny survivors can face when they choose to come forward.
As Dana Martinez, A New Leaf's Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, shared during the conference, "These situations serve as painful reminders of why many survivors struggle to come forward. When the conversation becomes focused on whether a survivor is believable, what their demeanor was after an alleged assault, or whether their response aligns with someone else's expectations, we lose sight of what matters most: sexual assault can have profound and long-lasting impacts on survivors."
Every survivor deserves compassion, dignity, and support, regardless of when they come forward or how others perceive their story. That means taking disclosures seriously, responding with empathy, and ensuring survivors can access resources without fear of judgment. Through .reach REACH Sexual Violence Services, we are committed to creating spaces where survivors can find safety, healing, and validation through free, survivor-driven advocacy and emotional support.
💙 If you or someone you know needs support, A New Leaf's 24-hour Sexual Violence Helpline is available at (480) 733-3028.💙
Start by believing. Continue with listening. And commit to creating a community where healing is possible for everyone.