Responding to the Crisis of Intimate Partner Violence and Homicide amongst Older Adults

Speakers: Katherine Cake, Lisa Marie Hunter, & Kristina Fifield

Webinar Description:

Atlantic Canada has seen a recent spike in occurrences of intimate partner homicide involving individuals of older age. Frontline service providers are also recognizing an increase in older adults accessing resources and services for intimate partner violence, some for the very first time. While intimate partner violence does not discriminate, older adults may experience distinctive risk factors and forms of abuse. This webinar will address some of the unique challenges faced by this demographic, and information for service providers such as:

• Rural complexities
• Unique health effects, financial challenges, and forms of isolation
• Intersections of elder abuse and intimate partner violence
• Screening and assessments for legal counsel
• Resources and initiatives.

Watch Recording

SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION

Speakers/Panelists: 

Katherine Cake serves as an Individual Case Specialist within the Senior’s Branch of the Office of the New Brunswick Advocate. In this role, she is dedicated to supporting and advocating for the rights of older adults throughout the province. With a background that includes roles at the RCMP, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, and the Department of Justice, Katherine is deeply passionate about mental health, systemic advocacy, and combating ageism. Originally from Grand Falls, NB, she is currently completing a double major in Gerontology and Psychology at St. Thomas University.

Lisa Marie Hunter is an Individual Case Specialist with the Senior’s Branch at the Office of the New Brunswick Advocate, where she advocates for older adults and helps ensure their rights and voices are recognized across the province. Born and raised in Fredericton, NB, she previously spent eight years with the Department of Justice as a Court Stenographer, primarily in the Family Division, and also serviced as an Investigator with the Office of the Ombud. Lisa Marie earned her Paralegal/Legal Administration diploma from Atlantic Business College in 2011 and is currently pursuing a double major in Criminology and Gerontology at St. Thomas University. She is passionate about social justice and systemic advocacy.

Kristina Fifield is an intersectional feminist trauma therapist who supports survivors and families impacted by gender-based and family violence. Her therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in principles of intersectionality, equity, trauma-informed care, and social justice-driven community healing. Kristina participated in the Mass Casualty Commission Public Inquiry and co-authored a report for the commission highlighting systemic issues related to GBV for marginalized survivors. In 2023, she was appointed to the Progress Monitoring Committee to represent the gender-based violence and advocacy sector. Her work on the advisory committee for the LEAF’s Accountability Project and co-leading the GBV Advocacy Coalition in Nova Scotia underscores her commitment to promoting accountability for GBV.