Teenage girl called Thea and Elliot Costello met by chance in Cambodia. This led to the start of a movement to stop sexual abuse of children. Thea, who had been abused, asked Elliot to paint one of his nails. This simple act became a sign of support and understanding.
Elliot kept his word to Thea that he would always wear the painted nail to remember her story and the pain of many other children. Because of this, he started the #PolishedMan movement, in which men paint one nail to represent the five percent of children who will be sexually abused.
Polished Man is an organisation that works hard to stop sexual crimes against children. Their goal statement says that being a Polished Man means speaking out against harmful speech and actions, both in your own community and around the world. Men who paint their nails are speaking out against abuse and starting talks about how to stop it.
The numbers are shocking: 96% of all sexual assaults on children around the world are done by men. Elliot thinks that guys need to lead the way in making changes so that this abuse stops. The painted nail is a warning of how real child abuse is and urges guys to do something about it.
The #PolishedMan movement wants to do more than just bring attention to the problem. It also wants to support educational programmes and other tools for children who have been abused. Individuals can make a real difference in the lives of these children by giving to these causes.
Being inspired by men from all walks of life, even famous men, who are joining the #PolishedMan movement is a great feeling. It’s possible to make the world a better and nicer place for kids everywhere by telling this story and having painted nails.
