In 2013, an encounter in Cambodia profoundly changed the course of Australian social entrepreneur Elliot Costello’s life. During a visit to an orphanage, he met a young girl whose tragic story not only shaped his perspective but inspired a movement that would touch thousands of lives across the globe. This meeting planted the seeds for what would become a mission to end violence against children.
The girl’s name was Thea, a child whose early years were filled with love and care from her parents. Her family lived modestly, but their life was peaceful. However, tragedy struck when Thea’s father, the family’s only provider, passed away unexpectedly. His death left Thea’s mother struggling to support her daughter, forcing her to make an agonizing decision: to send Thea to an orphanage, believing it would provide the safety and care she could no longer offer. Unfortunately, this decision set Thea on a path of unimaginable suffering.
At the orphanage, instead of receiving the support she needed, Thea became a victim of physical and sexual abuse. For two years, the orphanage’s director subjected her to relentless violence. Isolated and powerless, Thea endured this nightmare until she was eventually relocated to another orphanage in Phnom Penh, managed by Hagar International. This move would change everything.
When Elliot Costello visited the Hagar International facility, he met Thea and quickly bonded with her. Despite everything she had experienced, Thea radiated warmth and joy. She and Elliot spent time together playing simple games like naughts and crosses, sharing laughter and companionship. Their time together became a cherished memory for Elliot, as it gave him a glimpse of Thea’s resilience and strength, even in the face of deep trauma.
During one of their meetings, Thea introduced Elliot to her small tradition—painting her nails. One day, she asked if she could paint one of his nails, and Elliot gladly agreed. As she carefully painted his nail, Elliot made her a promise. “I told her I’d always keep it that way, to honor her and ensure her suffering would not be forgotten,” he later reflected. This simple act of painting a nail became a powerful symbol for Elliot, sparking a profound realization that he needed to act to protect other children from similar fates.
When Elliot returned to Australia, Thea’s story stayed with him. He knew he couldn’t let her experience be just another tragedy hidden away in silence. Instead, he resolved to use her story to inspire change. This commitment gave birth to the Polished Man movement, a campaign that encourages men to paint one fingernail as a symbolic gesture. The painted nail represents the one in five children globally who will experience some form of physical or sexual violence before they turn 18.
The Polished Man campaign also aims to challenge the toxic behaviors and attitudes that enable such violence. Since men are responsible for around 90 percent of these acts, the movement emphasizes the role they must play in bringing about change. It urges men to take responsibility not only by rejecting harmful behaviors but also by promoting healthy conversations about respect and empathy.
The movement soon caught the attention of celebrities who lent their support to raise awareness. Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron, and surfer Kelly Slater were among the first to join. Their participation helped amplify the campaign’s message. Hemsworth shared on social media, “Being a Polished Man isn’t just about what you do at the gym or how much you shout at the bar. It’s about saying no to violence against children.” This involvement by high-profile figures encouraged many others to engage with the cause, making it a global conversation.
The statistics behind the movement reveal the harsh reality it seeks to address. Studies show that 70% of reported sexual assaults involve children under 18. Furthermore, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before adulthood. These numbers underscore the importance of initiatives like Polished Man in raising awareness and funding solutions to tackle the problem at its root.
Polished Man’s work extends beyond awareness campaigns. The funds raised—over $8.7 million to date—are used to support programs that prevent violence and provide recovery services for survivors. These efforts are aimed at empowering children and their families, ensuring that those affected by abuse receive the care they need to heal and thrive.
The campaign, which began modestly, quickly grew into a global movement, thanks to the dedication of participants and the power of social media. Each October, thousands of people paint one fingernail to show their solidarity and raise awareness. The movement’s message is simple but profound: even small actions, when taken collectively, can lead to meaningful change.
As Polished Man celebrates over a decade of impact, its mission remains as urgent as ever. The campaign’s message goes beyond the symbolic act of painting nails; it calls for a cultural shift in the way men think about their role in preventing violence. It urges individuals to confront harmful behaviors, advocate for change, and foster environments where children can grow without fear.
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Elliot Costello’s promise to Thea has evolved into a global force for good. What began as a moment of connection between two people—one child, one adult—has grown into a movement that challenges societal norms and pushes for a safer, kinder world. The movement’s success is not measured only in funds raised or media attention but in the conversations it sparks and the lives it touches.
Though there is still much work to be done, Polished Man offers a beacon of hope. Each painted nail represents not just a statistic but a child whose life could be changed for the better. By standing together and taking action, the movement reminds us that change is possible and that even the smallest gestures can make a difference.