A Chance Encounter
Elliot Costello’s life changed forever when he met a young girl named Thea while traveling through Cambodia. Despite his intentions to simply connect with fellow travelers, this encounter struck a chord deep within his heart. Thea, a lively and chatty girl, had her nails painted every day. Curiosity piqued, Elliot obliged when she asked him to paint one of his nails. Little did he know, this simple act would become a symbol of hope and ignite a passion in Elliot to crusade against the sexual abuse of minors.
Painting a Nail for Change
Moved by Thea’s story of surviving sexual assault, Elliot made a solemn promise to remember her and her suffering by always keeping one nail painted. This promise birthed the #PolishedMan movement, aiming to change men’s attitudes and reduce the number of children who endure such horrors. By painting one nail, men stand in solidarity with the one in five children worldwide who will experience sexual assault.
Challenging Violent Behavior
Men have an important role to play in ending sexual violence against children. Elliot firmly believes that since men are responsible for 96% of this type of abuse globally, they must be at the forefront of reform. Through the #PolishedMan campaign, men are encouraged to challenge violent behavior and language both locally and globally. By doing so, they contribute to a safer society for children everywhere.
Sparking Discussion and Inspiring Change
The painted nail serves as more than just a visual reminder of the prevalence of child abuse. It is a conversation starter, a catalyst for change. Elliot’s goal is not just to raise awareness, but to inspire fresh strategies and preventative measures. By sparking discussions about child abuse, the #PolishedMan movement encourages individuals and communities to come together, support survivors, and work towards putting an end to the abuse of defenseless children.
Your Support Matters
We implore you to join the #PolishedMan movement. Together, we can make a difference and protect our children from sexual abuse. By sharing this article with your family and friends on Facebook, you are spreading awareness and encouraging others to take action. Let’s stand united against child abuse and support educational programs and resources for young survivors.
