NOW-NYS: Fear of Retribution Thwarts Justice for Fumi Bradley

ALBANY, NY (03/30/2010)(readMedia)-- On April 1, at 9:30 AM, the National Organization for Women - New York State will stand, in solidarity with other activists, at the White Plains, NY Court House (111 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard) to demand that victims of domestic violence get justice in the courts.

The occasion is the court appearance, before Judge Susan Capeci, of former New York State Assemblyman and current White Plains, NY Mayor Adam Bradley. Bradley was arraigned in White Plains City Court after being arrested for allegedly intentionally slamming his wife's finger in a door. The charge is assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It has, however, been reported that his wife is now asking that Bradley not be charged with the crime.

NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas, President of NOW NYS explained, "It is common for victims of domestic violence to retract their stories in fear of retribution. But fear of retribution thwarts justice. We must give domestic violence victims the power they need to stand up to their abusers. Fumi Bradley is obviously afraid of consequences that could come from continuing the criminal charges against her husband."

Pappas is "urging the District Attorney to pursue the charges against Adam Bradley." She says that "if he is allowed sweep this situation under the rug, Ms. Bradley will be in greater danger." Pappas continued: "We want Fumi Bradley to know that she has the community behind her, and that we support her in every way. Her safety is paramount."

Pappas added: "Adam Bradley is certainly not fit to be Mayor of White Plains. As we have said in the past, any politician or elected official who abuses another person is not fit to hold office. The citizens of White Plains deserve better."