Horwath Speaks Out as Survivor | Toronto News

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has broken her silence, revealing she’s a survivor of domestic abuse — a disclosure that reshapes the public narrative around a heated property dispute. After years of quiet, she now speaks out to validate survivors’ right to prioritize safety, set boundaries, and reclaim their voice. The controversy centers on a West Avenue North home she owns, currently occupied by her former partner Ben Leonetti, who was charged with criminal harassment and remains under a no-contact order. The city spent nearly $60,000 on emergency repairs, citing public safety concerns, and now seeks reimbursement — a situation complicated by Horwath’s refusal to vacate the property during repairs. Her decision to share her story ahead of the October 26 municipal election is both a personal reckoning and a powerful message of solidarity for others healing from abuse. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/394dc5b94b6d22a8