Restraining orders and peace bonds are legal protections—but they only work if they’re respected. If someone violates the terms, it’s not just a violation of trust—it’s a criminal offence in Ontario.

This guide explains what steps to take if a restraining order or peace bond is breached, how to protect yourself, and what the police and courts can do.

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A breach occurs when the person subject to the order:

• Contacts you in any form (calls, texts, emails, DMs)

• Comes near your home, workplace, or school

• Follows, stalks, or intimidates you

• Carries weapons if the order prohibits it

• Violates any specific condition of the order (e.g., supervised access rules)

Even accidental contact should be reported—don’t decide on your own if it “counts.”

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• Dial 911 if you're in immediate danger

• If not urgent, call your local police detachment

• Provide:

  • A copy of the restraining order or peace bond

  • Description of what happened

  • Screenshots, voicemails, or witness statements

• Ask for a police report number

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• Keep a written log of:

  • Dates, times, and details of the breach

  • How it affected your safety or well-being

• Save all texts, emails, voicemails, photos

• Keep copies of any CCTV footage, Ring cam, or witness accounts

• This information can support future charges or court orders

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• Police may investigate, warn, or arrest the offender

• Breaching a restraining order or peace bond is a criminal charge

• If arrested, the person may face:

  • New bail conditions

  • Detention until trial

  • Fines, probation, or jail time upon conviction

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• The case will go to criminal court

• You may be asked to provide a statement or testify

• You can get support from:

  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)

  • A DV-informed lawyer or duty counsel

• You can request a safety review of existing orders (e.g., stricter conditions)

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• If the breach shows escalating danger, consider:

  • Filing for a new restraining order with stricter terms

  • Applying for a peace bond if you didn’t have one before

  • Asking for exclusive possession of the home

  • Motion to Vary (Form 8B) – if you need to change parenting/custody terms

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• A breach is not a misunderstanding—it’s a red flag

• You have the right to feel scared, angry, or confused

• Consider support from:

  • A trauma-informed therapist

  • Women’s shelter or crisis line

  • Peer support groups for survivors

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• ✅ Report the breach to police immediately

• ✅ Document every detail and save evidence

• ✅ Get legal and emotional support

• ✅ Consider updating or replacing the current order

• ✅ Know that breaching an order is a crime, not just bad behaviour

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• 911 or local police – For emergencies and reporting

• Victim Support Line – 1-888-579-2888

• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258

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

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic – Legal support for survivors

• Luke’s Place – Family law for women affected by abuse

• 211 Ontario – Community help and crisis services

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If you feel you are in any immediate danger, your first and only action should be to call 911. If you are safe, your next step should be to call the non-emergency police line to file a report.

Yes, absolutely. You must report every single breach, no matter how small it seems. This creates an official record and shows a pattern of the abuser's disregard for the court order. This pattern is powerful evidence for the police and the courts.

The police will investigate. Based on the evidence, they can decide to warn the person, or they can arrest and charge them with the criminal offence of "Breach of Recognizance" or "Disobeying a Court Order."

Yes, it is very likely. Since the breach is a new criminal charge, it will start a new case in criminal court. You will be a key witness, and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) will be there to support you through the process.

If your ex is released on bail after being charged with a breach, they will almost certainly have even stricter conditions. It is important that you get a copy of their new bail conditions so you know what they are and are not allowed to do, and you can report any future breaches.

While you won't be charged, it can seriously harm your case. An abuser might use your reply as "proof" that you consented to the contact, which can make it much harder for the police and Crown to prosecute the breach. Do not respond. Do not engage. Report every breach.