As we watch, the developments unfold in Boston following this horrible act of violence at the Boston Marathon, all of us at the National Women's Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation pause with the rest of you and those around the country.

As we pray for the 132+ injured and mourn those that died, we are reminded of the humanitarian efforts of strangers during a horrible disaster. We applaud the first responders and all of those that ran to others to lend a helping hand following the explosions.

Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by today's act of violence and our prayers are with the families who tonight, mourn the loss of their loved ones, including sadly, an eight-year-old little boy.

Michelle A. Bart

NWCAVE President, Co-Founder