The Current Lisa Banfield tells her story of surviving violent abuse, and Canada's worst mass shooting
Jan 21, 2026
Lisa Banfield, a survivor of prolonged intimate partner violence and the author of a memoir detailing her life with Canada's deadliest mass shooter, opens up about her harrowing experiences. She reveals the chilling dynamics of control and isolation in her relationship with Gabriel Wortman, and candidly discusses the escalation to physical violence she endured. Lisa also confronts the backlash from victims' families regarding her decision to share her story, while advocating for systemic changes in how domestic violence is addressed and encouraging others to seek help.
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From Charming To Controlling
- Lisa Banfield describes meeting Gabriel Wortman and how he first seemed gentle and loving before becoming controlling and abusive.
- She explains how over years she became a shadow of herself, isolated from family and silenced by his behavior.
First Physical Assault At A Cottage Party
- Lisa recounts being struck in the face at a cottage party, chased, grabbed and punched before escaping into the road where people intervened.
- That incident marked her first experience of physical violence from Gabriel and a turning point in her awareness of danger.
Fear Of Reporting When Authorities Are Silent
- Lisa explains fear of reporting abuse when the police who knew Gabriel didn't intervene and community men were also afraid of him.
- That realization made her feel she could not rely on authorities to protect her or her family.
