It’s time to NAIL the conversation about violence against children

By Andriana Simos.

This October, men (and women) are being challenged to paint one fingernail Polished Man Blue to represent the 1 child that dies every five minutes as a result of violence.

The Polished Man campaign aims to start a conversation around the painted nail and to inspire others to take part and donate. Every donation goes towards the prevention and protection of children who experience the horror of violent mistreatment.

Aidan Robertson is one of the 8700 individual Polished Men who has decided to take part in the movement. Simos Standpoints speak to him about why he feels so deeply about the mission to end violence against children for good.

Simos Standpoints: How would you describe the Polished Man Campaign?

Aidan Robertson: The Polished Man Campaign aims to take a stand against violence against children. It does this by raising awareness and funds through its participants (individuals or groups), who paint a single nail blue to start a conversation.

The campaign recognises that 90% of all violence, both physical and sexual, is perpetrated by men, however, it does not seek to point fingers. Rather it inspires people to speak up and not to shy away from what would normally be considered an awkward conversation.

SS: How did you find out about the campaign?

AR: I found out about the campaign online. One night while I was searching through the web I stumbled across the campaign page. I read their mission statement and was excited by the idea of painting one of my nails for the month.

After further researching the mission goals of the campaign, I also became aware of the staggering amount of violence children across the globe face every day and the tragic amount whose lives are cut short every few minutes. Ultimately, it made me want to take a stand for something I have come to believe quiet fervently in.

SS: Why have you decided to take part in it?

AR: I have taken part in a few online fundraisers over the years, focusing on raising awareness and money for causes such as Mo-vember, men’s suicide prevention and mental health in students. This was another campaign which I believe the cause to not only be just, but one that tends to be shied away from, much like mental health and suicide. Just talking to people about the campaign, encouraging them to donate and take part themselves, it became really apparent that the sheer number of children affected and the number who die as a result of violence is not only unknown, but shunned as a topic of regular discussion.

I also decided to take part because the “polished man” idea isn’t the typical depiction of a man in today’s society. By subverting the typical gender norms we continue to believe in, we also open the door for other unconventional topics such as violence against children as well as generally creating a fun and noticeable form of advocacy.

SS: Why do you encourage others to take part?

AR: I believe that this issue is so unknown… that it is crucial for people to become aware and take action, not only to assist and rehabilitate those victims who are now traumatised, but to also be aware and conscious of this issue and thereby work to prevent it.

I also think it’s important to show that online campaigns and movements such as this, are capable of so much good and are great at really reaching and interacting with so many people from all walks of life. These movements can also help raise alot of money and more importantly, they make sure that more people become aware of issues… which people would typically try to avoid.

It is also super easy to take part in. It only takes a few minutes to set up a page, paint a nail and make a post on Facebook or Twitter and the more people who get involved the more money, more awareness and… then it just continues to grow

SS: What would you say to anyone who is thinking about donating or would like to take part in the Polished Man campaign?

AR: I’d like to encourage everyone who can to take part or donate even just $5 or $10 as every little bit helps and 100% of the proceeds go towards the treatment of trauma victims across the world and to the organisations which facilitate it. If you feel strongly about the issue, get involved and encourage others to donate and get involved themselves or even easier, just do some reading about this issue and talk about it with family, friends and colleagues, as knowing about the issue is the first step towards ending it altogether. So if you aren’t afraid to speak up or to put a little blue paint on your nail, get involved and speak up.

We’re pretty sure Aidan just #nailedit with his advice. If you were inspired to take part (or just want to read more about the campaign), visit the website here: polishedman.com