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.
