Elliot Costello’s journey to combat the sexual abuse of minors began with a fateful encounter in Cambodia. As he met a young girl named Thea, little did he know that this moment would set ablaze a fire within him, leading him to make a life-changing promise.

Thea, with her nails painted in vibrant colors every day, innocently asked Elliot to paint one of his nails during their conversation. Unbeknownst to him, this simple request carried a dark truth – Thea had experienced the horrors of sexual assault. This revelation moved Elliot profoundly, compelling him to keep his painted nail as a constant reminder of Thea’s suffering and to symbolize his commitment to fighting against such abuse.

Inspired by this promise, Elliot embarked on a mission to transform men’s attitudes and reduce the number of children falling victim to sexual abuse. Thus, the #PolishedMan movement was born. Men from all corners of the globe began painting a single nail as a powerful act of solidarity with the one in five children who experience sexual assault.

This small but meaningful gesture challenges violent behavior and language, both locally and globally. The painted nail serves as a visual reminder of the widespread prevalence of child abuse, igniting conversations and inspiring innovative strategies to prevent such atrocities.

But why should men take the lead in this fight? According to Elliot, men are responsible for a staggering 96% of violence against children worldwide. It falls upon them to drive essential reforms and put an end to the abuse faced by defenseless children. Joining the #PolishedMan movement enables men to actively support educational programs and resources for child survivors of abuse, playing a crucial role in creating a safer world for our children.

We urge more men, including influential figures, to step forward and support this cause. Together, we can create a world where no child has to endure the horrors of sexual abuse. Share this article with your family and friends on Facebook, raising awareness and encouraging others to join the fight against child abuse. Let’s join hands and paint a brighter future for our children.