The Story Behind #PolishedMan: A Movement to End Child Sexual Abuse

During a visit to Cambodia, Elliot Costello met a young girl named Thea, who always wore nail polish on her tiny nails. When she asked to paint one of his nails, Elliot agreed—unaware that Thea had been a victim of sexual abuse.

“As she painted my nail, I promised to keep it that way to remember her and her suffering,” Elliot shared. This powerful moment inspired him to launch the #PolishedMan movement, where men paint one nail to represent the one in five children worldwide who suffer sexual violence.

#PolishedMan challenges men to take responsibility—since men commit 96% of these abuses globally—and to become catalysts for change. The painted nail sparks conversations about child abuse prevention and encourages donations to support survivors’ educational programs.

Elliot hopes more men and celebrities will join the cause, helping raise awareness and end this hidden epidemic.

Share this story to help spread the message and protect children everywhere.