In 2013, Elliot Costello met a young Cambodian girl named Thea whose story deeply moved him. At just 10 years old,
Thea had survived abuse and loss, yet still showed kindness and resilience. One night, she playfully painted
one of Elliot’s fingernails—a small gesture that became a lasting symbol for him. He vowed to keep that nail painted in her honor.
That moment sparked the creation of Polished Man, a global movement urging men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children
who experience sexual violence. More than a symbolic act, it opens conversations around abuse and encourages men to speak out against violence.
Since its launch, Polished Man has raised over $8.7 million for programs supporting trauma recovery, legal aid, safe spaces, and education
for vulnerable children. Public figures like Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron have joined the cause, using their platforms to spread awareness.
What started as one painted nail has grown into a global call for change. Through Polished Man, people are standing in
solidarity with survivors like Thea—proving that even small gestures can spark powerful movements of empathy, resistance, and hope.
