Background
More than a month has passed since Paul Arnold, a former Darwin councillor and gallery owner, was found guilty of domestic violence. The verdict has dominated local headlines and reignited conversations about survivor experiences, accountability, and the long road to healing for families touched by abuse. Arnold’s ex-partner, Leanne Thompson, mother of two, has spoken publicly for the first time since the conviction, offering a candid look at how post-trial emotions can diverge from the expectations many survivors hold in the wake of a guilty verdict.
What Leanne Thompson has said
In interviews and messages shared with the media, Thompson described a complex emotional landscape that has continued to unfold after the courtroom decision. “I thought I would feel a sense of relief or closure,” she reportedly told reporters. “But the truth is, the impact of what happened isn’t something you simply put behind you. There’s a long process of processing, rebuilding, and navigating daily life with two children in the middle.”
Thompson emphasized that the verdict, while a legal resolution, does not erase the pain or erase the practical consequences of the relationship—especially for the kids who witnessed the dynamics firsthand. She described moments of hesitation, grief, and questions about safety, stability, and the future during the months since the incident and verdict.
Experts note that survivor experiences after a guilty verdict can vary widely. Some experience a sense of vindication, while others grapple with ongoing emotional turmoil, concerns about retaliation, or the challenges of rebuilding trust and routine in the face of trauma. Thompson’s remarks reflect this broader pattern, highlighting that accountability in a courtroom is only one part of a larger healing journey.
Emotional aftermath and daily life
Beyond the courtroom, Thompson has spoken about the practical realities that accompany such cases. School runs, visits to family services, and the need to secure safe spaces for her children remain priorities. The day-to-day tasks of parenting, co-parenting, and managing a home can be daunting in the shadow of a tense legal process. In addition, there is the ongoing need for support systems—therapists, counselors, and community networks—that help survivors navigate psychological and emotional recovery.
Legal experts point out that a conviction can validate a survivor’s experiences in the public eye, but does not automatically heal the personal impact. Thompson’s reflections appear to underscore the importance of continued resources for survivors, including access to mental health care, safety planning, and practical assistance with child welfare concerns.
Community and broader implications
The case has stirred discussions about domestic violence recognition and prevention in Darwin and beyond. Community groups, advocates, and local officials are calling for continued education, stronger protective measures, and improved access to services for those affected by violence in intimate settings. While the conclusion of the legal process marks a milestone, many argue that sustained support and proactive prevention work are essential to reducing future harm.
Arnold’s supporters have raised questions about due process and the burden of proof, as is common in high-profile cases. The focus in the wake of the verdict, however, has largely shifted to the survivors’ voices, the impact on families, and the steps needed to foster safer communities.
Moving forward
Thompson’s perspective points to a broader truth: justice is not always synonymous with instant peace. For families, healing often involves a multi-year journey that includes legal outcomes, personal therapy, and the steady building of trust with children, friends, and the broader community. Advocates say that ensuring access to ongoing support services is critical, as is ongoing public dialogue that centers the experiences and safety of survivors in every discussion about domestic violence.
