A “No Contact” order is a legal condition designed to protect individuals who have experienced violence, threats, or harassment. By preventing unwanted communication or proximity, it creates a clear boundary enforced by the courts. In Ontario, no contact conditions can be attached to criminal bail, peace bonds, and civil or family court restraining orders. Understanding the differences and how each operates helps survivors and their supporters navigate the system effectively.

When someone is charged with an offence such as assault or harassment, a judge or justice of the peace may release them on bail subject to conditions. Common bail conditions include:

• No contact with the victim by any means: phone, email, social media or through third parties

• No attendance at the victim’s home, workplace, school or other specified places

• No communication with specified family members or children

These conditions remain in effect until the criminal matter concludes. Breach of bail conditions is a criminal offence that can lead to arrest, detention, or additional charges even if no further violent act occurs.

A peace bond is a criminal undertaking under section 810 of the Criminal Code. It can be sought by anyone who fears for their safety—even without existing charges. Key features:

• Application may be made at a police station or criminal courthouse

• The bond can include a requirement to have no contact with the protected person for up to 12 months

• Breach of a peace bond is enforceable as a criminal offence, carrying potential arrest or prosecution

Peace bonds offer an immediate legal remedy when traditional restraining orders or criminal charges are not yet in place.

In family or civil court, survivors can apply for a restraining order under the Family Law Rules (Form 9C) or the Courts of Justice Act (Form 10). These orders may include no contact provisions such as:

• Prohibition on contacting the applicant or their children

• Exclusion from the family home or other shared property

• No interference with personal or digital communications

Violating a restraining order can lead to contempt proceedings or criminal charges under section 127 of the Courts of Justice Act.

A no contact order covers many forms of interaction:

• Direct communication: calls, texts, emails, instant messages

• Indirect communication: messages sent through friends, family, or intermediaries

• Electronic engagement: social media likes, comments, follows, tags

• Physical proximity: showing up at home, workplace, school or known locations

• Delivery of items: gifts, letters, or packages delivered in person or by courier

Even minimal interactions, such as a single emoji, can constitute a breach. The clarity of the order’s wording is essential to avoid misunderstandings.

If the protected person suspects a breach:

1. Call 911 or the non-emergency police line to report the violation.
2. Preserve evidence: save screenshots, voicemails, call logs, or witness statements.
3. Police can arrest the respondent for breach of bail, peace bond or order.
4. Crown attorneys may pursue new criminal charges, or in civil cases, the court can hold the respondent in contempt.

Stronger enforcement mechanisms in criminal contexts often make bail conditions and peace bonds more immediately effective than civil orders.

Only a judge or justice of the peace can vary or cancel a no contact condition. Steps depend on the order type:

• Bail condition: submit a request through the Crown Attorney’s office or bring a motion in criminal court

• Peace bond: apply to the court that issued the bond for variation or discharge

• Restraining order: file a Motion to Vary (Form 8B) in the original family or civil court

Consent from the protected person does not override the legal process. Formal court approval ensures that changes serve the interests of safety and justice.

• Keep a copy of the order in both paper and electronic form

• Share the order with trusted friends, family, and employers to reinforce the protection zone

• Enroll in victim support programs for safety planning and legal guidance

• Consult legal counsel or duty counsel at the Family Law Information Centre for questions about variation or enforcement

• No contact orders appear as bail conditions, peace bonds, or restraining orders

• They prohibit all forms of direct and indirect communication or proximity

• Breaching a no contact condition is a criminal offence

• Only courts can modify or lift these orders

• Clear evidence collection and prompt reporting strengthen enforcement

• Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 (TTY: 1-866-863-7868)

• Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258

• Family Law Information Centres: Visit any Ontario courthouse

• Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: Legal, counselling, and safety planning services

Yes. A no-contact order prohibits both direct and indirect communication. Using a third party, like a friend or family member, to pass a message to you is a clear breach of the order, and you should report it to the police.

A chance encounter is not usually considered a breach, as long as the person immediately leaves the area. However, if they follow you, try to talk to you, or refuse to leave, that would be a violation.

No. You do not have the legal authority to change a court order. Even if you consent to the communication, the other person is still in breach of their order and can be arrested. Only a judge can legally change or remove a no-contact order.

A judge will issue a no-contact order if they believe it is necessary to protect a person's safety and well-being. In domestic violence criminal cases, it is a standard condition of bail. In family court, you must provide evidence of why you need protection.

A "no-contact order" is a condition or a term within a larger court order. A restraining order or a peace bond is the legal document that contains the no-contact condition, along with other terms like staying away from your home.

This is a complex situation. A criminal no-contact order overrides any family court access order. To arrange parenting time, the accused person must go back to court and ask a judge to make an exception to the no-contact order specifically for the purpose of arranging access, often through a third party or a parenting app. You cannot make this exception on your own.