In a raw and deeply moving revelation, Home and Away star Mat Stevenson has spoken publicly for the first time about a traumatic event that changed the course of his life forever.

Known to millions as Adam Cameron, the charming yet cheeky surf lifesaver who graced Summer Bay from 1989 to 1994, Stevenson has now shared the heartbreaking truth of

a violent assault he endured as a teenager — a story that remained buried for decades.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 56-year-old actor recounted how, at just 18 years old, he was raped by two men in an ordeal that left him physically injured, emotionally scarred, and struggling to process what had happened.

The Night That Changed Everything

Stevenson was attending what was supposed to be a promising career opportunity — a business presentation about becoming a real estate agent. The meeting seemed ordinary enough until, afterward, his prospective mentor offered him a drink.

Within moments of accepting it, Stevenson began to feel strange.

“I immediately became dizzy,” he recalled. “This other bloke then came out of nowhere… I was paralyzed. I was a strong young kid, I was a good sportsman — but I was paralyzed.”

What followed was an unthinkable act of violence. Stevenson was assaulted by both men, eventually blacking out. When he awoke the next morning, he found himself in the same room, alone, in pain, and disoriented.

“I was in a fair bit of pain and I was late for work,” he said quietly. “I told my dad, ‘I think I’ve just been raped’ — and he ignored it.”

From Trauma to Television Fame

The day after the attack, Stevenson received a call that would unexpectedly propel him into the public eye — he had landed a role on the iconic Australian soap Neighbours.

From there, his career skyrocketed. In 1989, he joined Home and Away, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces on Australian television. His portrayal of Adam Cameron — a lovable rogue with a knack for mischief — earned him a loyal fanbase and cemented his place in soap opera history.

For five years and over 500 episodes, Stevenson brought charm and wit to the sandy shores of Summer Bay. But in 1994, at the height of his popularity, he shocked fans by walking away from the series.

The Real Reason He Left Acting

While many speculated about behind-the-scenes disputes or a desire for bigger roles, Stevenson revealed in a 2019 interview with The Daily Telegraph that his decision was far more personal.

“After I left Home and Away, I traveled for three years,” he explained. “When I came back, I was 27. I met a woman that I loved, and we wanted a family. With that comes responsibility, so I sought out secure work — and that’s the government role I’ve been working in ever since.”

That “secure work” turned out to be a role investigating identity theft for the Australian government, a position he has held since 2001.

A New Chapter: Love, Family, and Stability

Stevenson and his wife went on to build the life they had dreamed of, raising two daughters who are now 24 and 21. Away from the bright lights and relentless schedules of television, he embraced a quieter, more stable existence — one where he could be present for school events, family holidays, and everyday life.

Yet, despite leaving the soap world behind, Stevenson’s passion for acting never completely faded. Over the years, he has returned to the screen in guest roles on acclaimed Australian dramas such as Blue Heelers, MDA, City Homicide, and Offspring.

A Return to the Screen — and Facing the Past

In 2021, Stevenson took on the role of Mike in the drama film A Small Punch in a Little Town, directed by former Blue Heelers producer Luke Robson. The story centers on the devastating ripple effects of a single act of violence — a coward punch — in a small community.

It was a role that resonated deeply with Stevenson, not only as an actor but as someone who knows firsthand how one night can change the course of a life.

While promoting the film, Stevenson began to feel a pull toward finally sharing his own experience publicly. “For a long time, I carried that trauma quietly,” he admitted. “But silence doesn’t heal anything. If telling my story helps even one person feel less alone or more able to seek help, then it’s worth it.”

Breaking the Silence on Male Sexual Assault

By speaking out, Stevenson has joined a growing number of male survivors challenging the stigma and silence around sexual assault. Research shows that men often face unique barriers to reporting such crimes, including societal expectations about masculinity, fear of disbelief, and shame.

Stevenson’s own experience with his father’s dismissive reaction illustrates the painful isolation many survivors feel. “When you’re ignored in a moment like that, it reinforces the idea that you shouldn’t talk about it,” he said. “It took me years to understand that what happened to me was not my fault.”

His bravery in sharing his story is being hailed as an important step in breaking down those barriers, particularly for younger men who may be struggling to process their own experiences.

From Survivor to Advocate

While Stevenson says he’s not formally entering activism, he hopes his openness will inspire more conversations about consent, safety, and support for survivors — especially in industries like entertainment, where young actors are often vulnerable to exploitation.

“I was 18, I was excited about starting a career, and I trusted the wrong people,” he said. “It can happen to anyone, no matter how strong or confident you are.”

Stevenson’s message to other survivors is simple but powerful: “You are not alone. Your voice matters. And it’s never too late to tell your story.”

A Life Defined by Resilience

Today, Mat Stevenson lives a life far removed from the fictional dramas of Home and Away, but his real-life journey has been no less eventful. From the heights of TV stardom to the quiet stability of family life, from unimaginable trauma to the courage of speaking out, Stevenson has navigated the extremes of both joy and pain.

His story is one of resilience — a reminder that even after the darkest chapters, new ones can be written.

And for fans who grew up watching Adam Cameron ride the waves in Summer Bay, Stevenson’s return to the public eye is not just a nostalgic flashback. It’s a powerful testament to survival, strength, and the enduring will to keep moving forward.