DV survivor 'disgusted' to learn of perpetrator's release

A domestic violence survivor says she is fearing for her life and "reliving" her trauma after learning her abuser and ex-husband will be released on parole next week.Former police officer Matthew Thomson has been in jail for just over a year after admitting to multiple assaults against his ex-wife Stella Magnisalis between 2013 and 2018.Thomson was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars last year, but was handed a 12-month non-parole period that made him eligible to apply for release since June this year.The SA Parole Board today confirmed that Thomson would be released next week and would be subject to electronic monitoring conditions.Ms Magnisalis said she had been told by the Department for Correctional Services (DCS) that her abuser's release was "imminent" but had not been given a date.She said it was "disheartening" to first learn of when he would be released from the media.Stella Magnisalis says she fears for her life. (ABC News: Che Chorley)"[DCS] said it may take up to a couple of days or it may take up to a couple of weeks but you will be informed," Ms Magnisalis said she was told."There was no indication that he'll be released next week, that took me by surprise."Ms Magnisalis said the call from DCS informing her of Thomson's release left her feeling "surprised, shocked and disgusted"."I'm fearful for my life," she said."We know what he's capable of doing."Ms Magnisalis also said SA Police had not told her when Thomson would be released, and had "not been consistent" with keeping her informed."They keep you in the dark," she said.SA Police said in a statement that the "notification of parole outcomes and release arrangements are the responsibility of the Department for Correctional Services"."SAPOL was not advised that the parole application had been successful," a spokesperson said."SAPOL acknowledges the significant impact these matters have on victims and their families and remains committed to supporting victim safety."DCS said "the correct process was followed by DCS's Victims Serivces Unit"."Information about the offender's release date — and the disclosure of that date — is a matter for the Parole Board, which is independent of government," a spokesperson said."DCS understands that an offender's impending release can be distressing for victims, and takes its responsibility to keep victims informed seriously."Matthew Thomson leaves South Australian District Court in 2025. (ABC News)Ms Magnisalis said she was considering options to keep her family safe once Thomson was released."I'm considering when he's let out to leave the state, to go overseas, to move in with my family," she said."I'm reliving my traumas all over again."The Parole Board said Thomson had completed all necessary prison programs ahead of his release and did not believe he posed a risk to society.Police Minister Michael Brown said that "it's important that victims have confidence in the system"."I'm happy to follow up in this particular case to make sure that the proper procedure has been followed and I do find it disappointing that people are finding that they haven't been given the information they require," he said.Mr Brown also defended the Parole Board's "independent decision" to release Thomson on parole."I am pleased to see that the Parole Board has decided to put him on electronic monitoring which I think is entirely appropriate in this case," he said.