National NOW President Terry O'Neill to Hold Press Conference in Seneca Falls, NY

ALBANY, NY (04/29/2010)(readMedia)-- NOW President Terry O'Neill will hold a press conference at the National Women's Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. O'Neill will make a special announcement regarding ways for women to engage in the feminist network. O'Neill stated "It is fitting to make this announcement in Seneca Falls, where the first women's rights convention was held in 1848."

O'Neill also will speak on ending violence against women. She noted that the topic is timely because April is Crime Victims Rights month and there are a of number of high profile cases of assaults against women. The most recent case involves Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who was suspended from playing six games for matters related to inappropriate behavior with women. In New York, White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley was arrested and charged with a third degree misdemeanor assault for allegedly intentionally slamming his wife's fingers in a door. In February, Hiram Monserrate was expelled from the NYS Senate after he was convicted of a misdemeanor assault in relation to a domestic violence incident.

O'Neill also will speak in support of the passage of the New York State Strangulation Prevention Act. "Strangulation is often more dangerous than punching, shoving, and other kinds of abuse," stated NOW – NYS President Marcia Pappas, who is working to pass this legislation. "However, strangulation is not necessarily considered a crime in New York. Because such attacks leave no visible signs, many times they are simply ignored. It is critical to pass this legislation." Pappas stated.

O'Neill and Pappas will tour the National Women's Hall of Fame and then join other feminists on an all-day Feminist Wine Tour. O'Neill will also visit Rochester, Friday, April 30, at 10 am where she will meet with students at the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel. That evening at 7 pm she will talk at a Rochester NOW meeting which is open to the public. It will be held at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. On Sunday, May 2, she will meet with young feminists, students and their teachers at the Susan B. Anthony House, 17 Madison St. Rochester, NY Reservations are required. Please contact Renee Garnier at 585-729-0461 or email nysnowintern@gmail.com .