Lisa Banfield, a survivor of intimate partner violence, has broken her silence about her relationship with Gabriel Wortman, the man responsible for Canada’s deadliest mass shooting. Over a harrowing 13-hour span on April 18 and 19, 2020, Wortman killed 22 people across rural Nova Scotia before being shot by police. Banfield’s experiences, captured in her recent book, highlight the connection between domestic abuse and public violence.
Banfield’s Story: A Broader Issue
In her book, *The First Survivor: Life with Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shooter*, Banfield discusses the long-term effects of abuse and its implications for society. She emphasizes that domestic violence is not merely a private issue but a significant public health concern. By sharing her story, she aims to encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help.
- Key Events:
- Wortman’s shooting spree occurred over April 18-19, 2020.
- Banfield was subjected to physical and psychological abuse for 19 years.
- Casualties:
- Twenty-two fatalities resulting from the shooting.
The Impact of Childhood Trauma
Banfield’s experiences of violence began in her youth. At 14, she was molested while babysitting, a trauma her father dismissed. She faced further abuse at home, which contributed to her difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life. Kristina Fifield, a trauma therapist, points out that early experiences of violence can lead to a cycle of abuse in adulthood.
Coercive Control and Escalating Abuse
Initially, Banfield described Wortman as charming and doting. However, his demeanor shifted, and he began to display coercive control, isolating her from family and wiring her financially dependent. As the relationship deteriorated, the violence intensified. Banfield recalls threats against her family and constant surveillance, which created a pervasive climate of fear.
April 18, 2020: The Mass Shooting
On their anniversary, after a night of verbal abuse, Banfield became a victim of severe physical violence. Wortman set their home ablaze and confined her in a replica RCMP cruiser designed for his violent spree. She managed to escape into the woods, hiding for hours, terrified of placing others at risk.
Survivor’s Guilt and Community Response
Banfield lives with survivor’s guilt, grappling with questions about her past decisions. Although she was initially charged for an alleged role in Wortman’s actions, these charges were later dropped, validating her victim status. Unfortunately, she has faced stigma and victim-blaming from the community.
- Community Reactions:
- Some victims’ families expressed anger over Banfield’s book.
- Critics have accused her of profiting from others’ tragedies.
A Call for Change
Banfield’s message, underscored by therapy experts, highlights the need for better responses to intimate partner violence. There is a growing consensus that police protocols require reform to adequately support victims and recognize the complexities of abusive relationships.
Banfield’s courageous decision to share her story aims to spark dialogue about violence prevention and resilience among survivors. By addressing the epidemic of domestic violence head-on, she hopes to foster understanding and prompt systemic changes that will support those affected.
