Research for The Toybox had me delving into eye-opening and oftentimes brutal stories. Sadly, the global, world-wide reach of human and sex trafficking grows exponentially every day. And despite what people believe, victims come in all ages, ethnicities, and from all cultures and financial circles. To fight and stop this epidemic, to protect these individuals, we have to educate ourselves and be brave enough to SPEAK UP. Unfortunately, too many people want to look the other way, afraid to get involved – or be wrong. But if we suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, and we’re too afraid to reach out on their behalf, imagine how frightened that person is of the life they’re being forced to live. Often, these victims are under strict control of others, and they may be scared to reach out on their own because of personal threats against them or their families. They don’t know who they can trust, which is why it’s imperative we reach out for them.

For signs on what to look for and who to contact in case of suspected sex trafficking, please click on the following links. And remember, your choice to speak up could save more than one life.

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/spot-the-signs

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/victim-assistance/national-human-trafficking-hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

Thank you to all the readers out there. If you’d like to reach out and say hello or follow me on social media, you can find me at the links below.

Until next time…

Charly Cox

Charly Cox Author Website

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Acknowledgements

Writing can sometimes be a daunting journey, but I have a bevy of people who encourage me along the way (or sometimes nudge, push… shove) and keep me putting pen to paper (or fingers to keypad). So, I’d like to take the time to thank some of those very important people – without whom, I’d be lost.

First and foremost, I want to thank Keshini Naidoo (and not just because you have one of the coolest names ever), one half of the amazing Hera Books team. Thank you not only for your endless hard work, but for trusting in me, my writing, and my characters from the very beginning… and then finding a way to pull all the various threads to help make everything a thousand times better. My world of characters would definitely not be the same without you, and I will forever be in awe of your ability to see through the most mundane words and scenes and extract exactly what is needed to make them shine. I treasure you, your advice, suggestions, and wisdom. Thank you for always taking the time to allay my fears and concerns and answering all my questions. The support you have lent me is worth its weight in gold.

Thanks also goes to Lindsey Mooney, the other half of Hera Books, for your extensive efforts in getting my work out there in front of readers, for cheering with me through all of it. Thank you for explaining things and helping me stay calm as my words go out into the world. I can’t even imagine what goes on behind the scenes as you work your magic, but I’m hugging you for all of it!