Elliot Costello’s life took a profound turn when he met a young girl named Thea while traveling in Cambodia. Her bright smile and painted nails hid a dark secret: she had suffered sexual abuse. This heart-wrenching revelation sparked a fire within Elliot, driving him to launch a crusade against child sexual abuse.
Thea’s story inspired Elliot to create the #PolishedMan movement, where men paint one nail to represent the one in five children who will experience sexual assault. This simple yet powerful gesture symbolizes a commitment to challenging violent behavior and language, both locally and globally.
As Elliot emphasizes, men are responsible for 96% of child sexual violence worldwide, making them the key drivers of change. By sparking conversations and inspiring new prevention strategies, the painted nail serves as a visual reminder of the issue and a call to action.
Elliot’s mission extends beyond awareness; he seeks to support educational programs and resources for child survivors of abuse. By joining forces, we can create a safer world for children. Share this article to spread the word and inspire others to join the #PolishedMan movement. Together, we can make a difference.