MAFS' Anthony Cincotta opens up about 'terrifying' childhood after becoming an ambassador for Polished Man

Married At First Sight's Anthony Cincotta, who appeared on Season 9, has opened up about his traumatising childhood after signing on as an ambassador for Polished Man.

Polished Man is an organisation which encourages everyone to take a stand and actively commit to ending violence against women and children. Anthony was honoured to be a part of the movement, and opened up about his own experiences growing up.

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"@polishedman campaign for 2022 has kicked off and being an ambassador is such a proud moment for me," he captioned on Instagram.

"I wanted to take the time and share my story so you don't just think I'm another face."

For the next couple of slides, the father-of-one explained how he was abused by his step-dad.

"I really don't know where to start because talking about it is difficult for me, but only through talking we can grow," he said.

"As a child I was the victim of physical and emotional abuse. It did not start until my parents separated and found new partners, my mum was devastated by the separation and fell into a relationship with my soon-to-become step dad.

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The former groom admitted that almost every day his step-dad would have an alcoholic drink in his hand and that's when he started to get physical with Anthony.

"I would cover my bruises at school and never talk about it with my friends but this was terrifying, especially when he had been drinking," he admitted.

"It got so bad I would threaten to go to the police but then I would just be laughed at which left me feeling isolated and alone... I felt so lost."

The professional wrestler held on to hatred for years before he became a dad himself and decided to get some help.

"I finally started seeing a councillor because I'm a father and to be a good father you can't drag the past with you," he wrote. "I spoke up (20 years later) and someone saw me still suffering and gave me a new lease on life."

If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit White Ribbon Australia's website. In an emergency, call 000.

Or if you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.

Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.