Elliot Costello’s encounter with a young girl named Thea in Cambodia sparked a movement to combat child sexual abuse. Thea, a survivor of abuse, painted one of Elliot’s fingernails during their conversation. He pledged to keep it painted to remember her suffering, inspiring the #PolishedMan movement.
#PolishedMan encourages men to paint one nail to symbolize the one in five children affected by sexual violence. It aims to challenge violent behavior and language worldwide. Elliot points out that men are responsible for 96% of such abuse against children and must drive change.
“As she painted one of my nails, I assured her I would always keep it that way to remember her, and by extension, her suffering,” Elliot said.
The painted nail serves as a conversation starter about child abuse and raises awareness for prevention efforts. Donations support educational programs for child survivors.
The hope is for more men, including celebrities, to join this crucial movement.
The goal with the painted nail isn’t just to remind people of the number of children who are abused every single day, but to serve as a conversation starter about this reality, leading to new ideas about prevention.
We hope that more men, including celebrities would be willing to join this movement.