Below Deck’s Gael Cameron shares emotional message about domestic abuse following Nathan Gallagher’s arrest

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.

Gael Cameron, the ex of Below Deck's Nathan Gallagher, is reflecting on a past abusive relationship in a poignant message shared after visiting an art installation in Sydney.

On Wednesday (21 October) Cameron posted an Instagram Reel showing her visit the Sweethearts art installation in Sydney, which raises awareness about violence against women in Australia.

She wrote: “56 hearts. One for each woman [whose] life ended at the hands of someone they once chose to trust this year alone in Australia. I knew coming here my heart would hurt. But walking up and seeing those hearts in person my eyes ran and my heart broke into a million pieces again.”

The reality TV star reflected on a previous experience of violence, without going into specifics.

“Knowing how close I came to being one of those hearts I cried. Not for myself. I cried for the families, and for those who lost their lives at the hands of another,” she said.

“But also for the women still there. Still stuck. Whose fate still feels out of their own hands.”

She continued: “Those who understand, understand. And those who can’t relate I hope you find it in your heart to try to understand.”

Gael said the memorial is not enough and a bigger change is needed to make a change: “Something needs to change. Something needs to give. I’ve sat afraid for long enough, but the fear I feel is what allows this to keep happening."

The 30-year-old paid tribute to the women and men who shared their own ‘similar stories’ with her and acknowledged that there are people who won’t be able to share their own stories or share her post due to they situations.

"To all the women and men who have messaged me with similar stories: I hear you, I see you. There are women who can’t share this. Can’t like it, can’t save it, can’t have it sitting in their phone,” she wrote.

"I know you’re there. I have hope that someday you get to say to yourself the same thing I say to myself everyday day [sic] that keeps me going. And is the reason you see me on here grateful for everyday I get to be here.”

The Below Deck star met Nathan Gallagher during season nine and they eventually became a couple. Their relationship was on-again, off-again, and after reconciling, they welcomed their son Kayden Cameron-Gallagher in June 2025.

Earlier this year, reports emerged of serious allegations and around the time the allegations arose, the Irishman said in a statement he’s made ‘mistakes’. This came after it was reported that he was arrested in Australia last December for assaulting an unnamed 29-year-old woman at an apartment complex in Sydney.

Cameron and Gallagher are no longer together.

According to a statement given to PEOPLE by New South Wales Police, Gallagher was subsequently transferred to a secure unit on Appleforth Street in Melrose Park following his arrest.

He was charged with 'assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally chok[ing a] person without consent, and common assault', per the NSW police memorandum.

In a statement shared to Rolling Stone, Gallagher said the public as not ‘heard the full story surrounding what happened’.

He added: “I understand NSW Police have confirmed my arrest in December 2025. What has been publicly reported, however, represents only one side of what was an extremely complicated situation.”

Later in the statement, he said his main priority is their son. “I’m not claiming I was perfect. I wasn’t. I made mistakes and I will take responsibility for my own actions. But I will not accept being portrayed solely through one person’s account of a relationship when there is another side and evidence relating to it.

"My biggest concern is my son. One day he will be old enough to see everything that has been said about his parents, and I don’t want his childhood turned into a public battle.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.