Understanding Peace Bonds (Section 810) in Ontario: How They Can Protect You

If you're feeling threatened, harassed, or unsafe—but the person hasn’t been charged with a crime—you can still get legal protection through a Peace Bond.

In Ontario, Peace Bonds are available under Section 810 of the Criminal Code and are enforced by criminal court.

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• A court order that requires someone to stay away from you and follow strict rules

• Granted if a judge believes you have a reasonable fear of harm, even if no crime occurred

• Typically lasts up to 12 months

• Issued through criminal court, not family court

• Free to request and doesn’t require a lawyer

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You can apply if:

• You are afraid that someone may hurt you, your children, or your property

• You fear threats, stalking, harassment, or physical violence

• The person is a partner, ex, friend, coworker, neighbor, or anyone—even if unrelated

• There is no restraining order or family court involvement

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• ✅ Visit your local police station or courthouse

• ✅ Ask to speak with a Justice of the Peace (JP)

• ✅ File an Information under Section 810, explaining why you're afraid

• ✅ You may be asked to testify at a hearing

• ✅ The person can agree voluntarily, or a full hearing may take place

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• No contact (calls, texts, emails, social media)

• No going near your home, work, school, or family

• No weapons

• Any other restrictions needed to protect you

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• Breaching a peace bond is a criminal offence

• Call 911 or your local police immediately

• Police can arrest them even if no new violence occurred

• Keep all evidence: messages, witness accounts, call logs

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• If you still fear for your safety, you can ask the court to issue a new peace bond

• Apply again before the current one expires

• Courts will evaluate your continued risk and past violations

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• Peace Bond:

  • Criminal court

  • No relationship requirement

  • Free, available through a Justice of the Peace

• Restraining Order:

  • Family court

  • Must be ex-partner or co-parent

  • Requires filing Form 9C

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• ✅ Peace Bonds protect you without criminal charges

• ✅ Granted through Section 810 of the Criminal Code

• ✅ Easy to apply through a JP at your local court or police station

• ✅ Can include no-contact and area restrictions

• ✅ Breaching it is a criminal offence

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• Victim Support Line (Ontario): 1-888-579-2888

• Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511

• Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: Free legal and counselling support

• Luke’s Place: Family law help for women fleeing abuse

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You do not need to prove that a crime has already been committed. You only need to show the court that you have a "reasonable fear" that the other person will harm you, your family, or your property. Your fear must be based on specific actions or threats.

You can seek a peace bond against anyone who is causing you to fear for your safety. Unlike a family law restraining order, it does not have to be an ex-partner. It can be a neighbour, a co-worker, an acquaintance, or even a stranger.

There are no court fees to apply for a Section 810 Peace Bond, as it is a criminal court matter.

No. A peace bond is an order from a criminal court to prevent future harm. A restraining order is an order from a family court, typically used between ex-partners to set rules about contact. Breaching a peace bond is a direct criminal offence.

No. Agreeing to a peace bond does not result in a criminal record, as it is not an admission of guilt. However, if they breach the peace bond, they will be charged with a new criminal offence, which would result in a criminal record if they are convicted.

A peace bond cannot be "renewed" or "extended." If you still have a reasonable fear for your safety as the expiry date approaches, you must start the process over again by applying for a new peace bond.