Elliot Costello was traveling in Cambodia with several friends when he happened to cross paths with a little girl named Thea, who unintentionally started a deep internal metamorphosis in him.
Because of Thea’s upsetting experience, Elliot became so passionate about this unexpected encounter that he launched a crusade to end child sexual assault.
Elliot grew moved by the exquisite detail of Thea’s daily regimen, which included painstakingly painting her nails. Thea asked him to paint one of his nails during a talk; this seemingly innocuous request would eventually reveal the horrific details of her own experience with sexual assault.
Elliot reflected on the poignant moment: “As she painted one of my nails, I assured her I would always keep it that way to remember her, and by extension, her suffering.”
Inspired by this moving link, Elliot focused his efforts on changing men’s perceptions in order to reduce the incidence of child sex abuse. As a result, the #PolishedMan movement was born, in which males paint one nail to represent the one in five children who may experience sexual assault.
Beyond only making symbolic gestures, Polished Man actively works to stop sexual assault against minors. The organization states that opposing violent language and behavior on a local and global level is part of what it means to be a Polished Man.
Elliot highlights that as males commit 96% of these acts of violence against children globally, they should be the ones spearheading reform to reduce the mistreatment of helpless children.
In an effort to raise awareness of the startlingly high rate of child abuse and to stimulate creative approaches to prevention, the painted nail acts as a conversation starter. Elliot is more than just a graphic reminder; he also invites people to donate to educational initiatives and services for abused children.
In the spirit of promoting change, there is a growing hope that more men—including those in the public eye—will support this cause.
H/T : viralmagz.com
