Stella Magnisalis has come forward with allegations of systemic protection of her ex-husband, Matthew Alan Thomson, by his police colleagues during years of domestic abuse. Thomson, previously a detective with the South Australia Police, was convicted of multiple assaults committed against Magnisalis from April 2013 to February 2018. He received a two-year prison sentence, with twelve months non-parole, and reportedly has no intention of appealing the ruling.
Throughout her ordeal, Magnisalis expressed her frustration at the police for failing to acknowledge her pleas for help. She believes Thomson’s status as an officer allowed him to evade accountability, saying, “When an abuser wears a badge, who holds them accountable?” Magnisalis describes his actions as premeditated violence, contrasting it with mere toxic behaviour often found in relationships. Her experiences have prompted calls for an evaluation of the police force, which she criticises as a “boys club” that fails to protect victims and instead fosters an environment that enables abuse.
Following her courtroom confrontation with Thomson, Magnisalis is committed to advocating for fellow survivors of domestic abuse, underscoring the need for significant reforms within law enforcement. She stresses that officers are inadequately trained to handle domestic violence situations, posing the question, “How many of us will die before they listen?”
The South Australia Police have stated that they have established internal procedures to handle such cases, although they did not provide specific responses to Magnisalis’ accusations. She is determined to leverage her voice to demand transparency, justice, and improved support for victims of domestic violence.