• Court Source

• Restraining Order: Family (or civil) court
• Peace Bond: Criminal court (section 810 Criminal Code)

• Eligibility

• Restraining Order: Must have been married, cohabited, or share a child with respondent
• Peace Bond: No prior relationship required; anyone fearing harm may apply

• Typical Uses

• Restraining Order: Domestic violence, separation, custody disputes
• Peace Bond: Harassment, stalking, threats by neighbours, acquaintances, strangers

• Application Process

• Restraining Order: File Form 9C (family) or Form 10 (civil) in court
• Peace Bond: Request through police station or at criminal courthouse; free of charge

• Duration

• Restraining Order: Indefinite or tied to family proceedings
• Peace Bond: Up to 12 months (renewable)

• Conditions Common to Both

• No direct or indirect contact (calls, texts, social media, third parties)
• No attending specified locations (home, work, school)
• No weapons possession or threats

• Enforcement & Breach

• Breach of either is a criminal offence
• Police can arrest on sight for violations
• Crown may pursue new charges or contempt proceedings

• Variation or Discharge

• Only a judge or justice can modify or cancel
• Restraining Order: File Form 8B (Motion to Vary) in family/civil court
• Peace Bond: Apply to original criminal court

• Key Takeaways

• Choose Restraining Order if there’s an intimate/family link and you need long‑term protection
• Choose Peace Bond for criminal enforcement and anyone posing a threat, regardless of relationship
• Both provide legally enforceable no‑contact safeguards

• Ontario Help Lines & Resources

• Legal Aid Ontario: 1‑800‑668‑8258
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1‑866‑863‑0511
• Victim Support Line: 1‑888‑579‑2888
• Court forms: ontariocourtforms.on.ca