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
