Elliot Costello met a girl named Thea during a trip in Cambodia. Little did he know this encounter would inspire him to fight against child sexual abuse.
Thea, who painted her nails daily, asked Elliot to paint one of his nails. Later, he learned she had been sexually assaulted. Elliot promised to keep the painted nail to remember her and her pain.
This led Elliot to start the #PolishedMan movement. In this movement, men paint one nail, representing the one in five children who will face sexual assault.
The Polished Man organization aims to end sexual violence against children. Since men are responsible for 96% of such violence globally, they should drive the change.
The painted nail is meant to start conversations about child abuse and inspire prevention. It also encourages donations for educational programs for child abuse survivors.