Survivor of Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shooting Faces Doubts

The tragedy of the Portapique shooting in Nova Scotia, which occurred on April 18, 2020, continues to resonate deeply. Gabriel Wortman killed 13 people in the community before claiming nine more victims the following day, including a pregnant woman. This heinous act left a lasting impact, especially on one survivor, Lisa Banfield, who was the common-law partner of Wortman.

Lisa Banfield: Survivor of Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

Lisa Banfield endured years of domestic abuse from Wortman. She escaped during the initial chaos of his shooting spree and later returned to the site of the tragedy six months later, seeking closure. Banfield shared her experiences in her memoir, *The First Survivor: Life with Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shooter,* aiming to raise awareness about the complexities of abusive relationships.

The Return to Portapique

• Banfield visited Portapique in October 2020, hoping to confront her memories.
• She was accompanied by her sisters and assisted by Staff Sergeant Greg Vardy, an RCMP officer specializing in truth verification.
• The return was emotionally overwhelming, triggering feelings of trauma and survivor’s guilt.

During her visit, Banfield guided law enforcement through the critical locations tied to her harrowing experience. She described the need to prove her account of the events that night, as false narratives circulated suggesting she had been an accomplice in her partner’s crimes.

Government Inquiry

The response from authorities to the shooting raised concerns among families of the victims, resulting in federal and provincial governments announcing a joint public inquiry into the police’s handling of the situation. Questions emerged regarding the RCMP’s decision-making during the rampage and why the public had not been warned sooner.

Domestic Abuse and Its Consequences

Banfield’s narrative reveals the severe psychological impact of living in an abusive relationship. Despite warnings from her therapy team and loved ones, she felt compelled to seek out proof of her survival. Her relationship with Wortman started as a seemingly ideal partnership but deteriorated into manipulation and severe emotional abuse.

• Wortman’s behavior escalated, leading Banfield to fear for her safety.
• She faced challenges accessing help due to the emotional grip he had over her.
• Despite her fears, she struggled with feelings of guilt and responsibility for his actions.

Throughout the rampage and its aftermath, Banfield was subjected to unfounded accusations, highlighting the stigma many survivors face when they attempt to seek help.

Legal Complications and Community Impact

Following the tragedy, Banfield and her family faced legal repercussions for their connection to Wortman. Charges of transferring ammunition were levied against them, despite their cooperation with authorities during the investigation. This situation underscored the complexities of abuse and societal perceptions of victims.

Conclusion

Banfield’s story is a deep exploration of resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through her memoir, she aspires to shed light on the realities of domestic abuse and the challenges survivors face. As the inquiry unfolds, many hope it will prompt significant changes in how law enforcement responds to domestic violence and community safety.