Stella Magnisalis, the ex-wife of former South Australia Police detective Matthew Alan Thomson, has spoken out about years of abuse she endured and alleges that Thomson was shielded by his colleagues in uniform.
Thomson, 42, was convicted in a South Australian court of multiple charges including one count of assault, four counts of aggravated assault, and one count of aggravated assault causing harm. These offenses took place between April 2013 and February 2018 while he served as a detective.
Recently sentenced to just over two years in prison with a non-parole period of 12 months, Thomson reportedly does not plan to appeal his sentence.
For Magnisalis, however, the court’s decision offers little comfort. She claims that despite her repeated pleas for help, the South Australia Police turned a blind eye to her suffering.
“When an abuser wears a badge, who holds them accountable?” Magnisalis asked. She emphasized that Thomson’s actions were not mere toxic masculinity or a dysfunctional relationship, but calculated and premeditated violence carried out by someone once respected in the community.
Magnisalis is calling for an internal investigation into the police force, which she describes as a “boys club” that fails victims and enables abuse like a cult. She is determined to use her experience to advocate for other survivors and to push for better training and preparation for police officers dealing with domestic violence offenders.
“Officers are ill-equipped, ill-prepared and simply just not trained,” she said. “How many of us will die before they listen? My voice is my power and I’m using it to demand truth, justice and change.”
In response, South Australia Police stated they have “robust” internal processes but declined to comment specifically on Magnisalis’ claims or the response to her allegations.
