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
