DV survivor Leah Matheson speaks out after ex-husband Troy sentenced

A survivor of domestic violence has bravely spoken out after her ex-husband’s court case, where the magistrate controversially questioned whether she should be the one on trial.

Leah Matheson speaks up for DV victims after ex-husbands controversial court case.

A domestic violence survivor has spoken out and encouraged other victims to come forward after her ex-husband’s controversial court case, where the magistrate questioned whether she should be the one on trial.

Leah Matheson’s former partner Troy Matheson faced the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on January 11, where he was convicted of common assault, wilful damage, breach of bail, going armed so as to cause fear, observing or recording in breach of privacy and other DV offences.

The court heard that on April 3 last year Matheson slashed the tyres on a car belonging to the new partner of his former wife.

Leah Matheson has spoken out in support of other domestic violence victims.

Ms Matheson said during the court case she felt disrespected by Magistrate Ron Kilner, who refused to recuse himself after making controversial comments about the matter.

“This is a travesty of justice, I wonder who should be in the dock, whether it’s the aggrieved or Mr Matheson,” Mr Kilner said on September 20.

Ms Matheson said she didn't believe the lack of a recusal was the right decision.

“I do believe I am quite a strong person, however it takes a lot to come forward and speak out and not all people feel like they have that voice,” she said.

“To then have someone of authority minimise your experience and accuse you of not telling the truth is so debilitating, all the while trying to muster the strength to speak out for justice.

“As a domestic violence victim, you feel much shame and guilt, blaming yourself for the abuse; you don’t need anyone else to inflict more of that when trying to do the right thing.”

Ms Matheson said now the case was finally resolved, after 14 adjournments, she could finally move on.

“It is a relief to finally have the matter finished but I can only hope this will be the end of it,” she said.

“I just have to keep myself safe, my children safe and keep my eyes open.”

Ms Matheson said her ex-husband's actions had a lasting effect on her two sons, who were still coming to terms with the horror which rocked their family.

“I do try to create some normality for the children, it has been very disruptive for them,” she said.

“They’ve witnessed things that no child should ever witness and they are emotionally fragile and distressed because of it.

Troy Matheson was convicted for a range of DV-related offences. Picture: Facebook

“My eight-year-old always checks the windows and doors, that they are locked, and the doors and blinds are closed, so no one can see in when it starts getting dark.

“If ever I check security cameras he would panic and say ‘what’s going on mum? Is dad outside again?’

“I’m so proud of my boys, they have continued to stay strong and we will work together to keep our lives as normal as possible.”

Ms Matheson said after experiencing domestic violence and taking it to court, she wanted to encourage other victims to speak up.

“I have slipped through the cracks of the domestic violence system for many, many years,” she said.

“I often felt so hopeless that I had no option but to go back (to Mr Matheson).

“The situation fills you with shame and guilt, so it makes it so hard to leave or speak out.

“I felt like I was unable to report many incidents, there was no escape plan in place, no support.

“There were so many times I failed to report my abuse because I was petrified.

“This is the last time. I had hit rock bottom and enough was enough.

“I have stood my ground and will not allow myself to get sucked back into the cycle of abuse.

“I want to advocate for those people that are slipping through the cracks because I’ve been there, and I’ve felt it.

“I’m willing to do anything to help because I know what it’s like to feel completely helpless.

“The system still needs work, there are too many gaps.”

Mr Matheson was convicted of common assault after he assaulted her best friend in March and was caught in possession of a knife.

He was also convicted after contacting Ms Matheson multiple times, texting and calling her, observing her on their home security cameras and destroying her security cameras.

Originally published as DV survivor Leah Matheson speaks out after ex-husband Troy sentenced