When Elliot Costello embarked on a journey to Cambodia with a group of fellow travelers, little did he know that a chance encounter with a young girl named Thea would become the catalyst for a movement with a profound mission – to end child s*xual abuse.
A bright and vivacious girl, Thea had a distinctive habit that caught Elliot’s attention. Her tiny nails were always decorated with nail polish. When Elliot engages in a conversation with Thea, their interaction takes an unexpected turn. She made a simple request: paint one of his nails. Touched by the young girl’s enthusiasm, Elliot readily agreed. It was during this seemingly ordinary act of painting nails that he learned about Thea’s painful past – she was a victim of s*xual abuse.
Thea’s little nails were painted every day. One day she asked Elliot to paint one of her nails while they were talking. He accepted and was pleased to talk to the chatty girl, but later found out she had been s*xually assaulted.
Elliot said: “When she painted one of my nails I promised her I would keep it that way forever to remember her and by extension her suffering.
This inspired Elliot to work to change men’s attitudes to reduce the number of children who experience s*xual abuse.
At that moment, he created the #PolishedMan movement, in which men polish one of their nails. That single nail represents one in five children who will experience s*xual assault.
Polished Man is trying to end child s*xual abuse. The group claims that “being a polished man means challenging violent behavior and language, locally and globally”.
Given that men are responsible for 96% of this type of violence against children worldwide, Elliott says they should be the driving force behind reform if we are ever to end the abuse of defenseless children.
The painted nail is intended to stimulate discussion about the prevalence of child abuse and inspire new prevention strategies, not just to act as a visual reminder of the problem. In addition, she wants people to start donating to “support educational programs and resources for child survivors of abuse,” according to APlus.
As the #PolishedMan message continues to spread, it is our collective responsibility to share this important cause with our family and friends. By raising awareness and encouraging participation, we can play a vital role in ending the suffering of countless children.
In conclusion, the #PolishedMan movement, born from a chance encounter with a young girl named Thea, has proven to be a powerful force for change. It seeks to end the scourge of child s*xual abuse by challenging societal norms, sparking conversations, and strengthening a sense of solidarity among individuals from all walks of life. By painting one nail, we not only remember the one in five children affected by s*xual violence, but we also stand together as advocates for a safer and more compassionate world for all children. Let’s unite in this noble cause, share the message far and wide, and work towards a future where every child can grow up without fear or harm.