How to Get an Order of Protection in New Mexico
New Mexico’s Order of Protection process described in accessible language.
Peace Bonds in Canada: Basic Safety Information
Who May Apply for a Peace Bond
A peace bond is a court order that can require someone to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, and to follow specific conditions. It is available anywhere in Canada under the Criminal Code.
Anyone who has a reasonable fear that another person may harm them, their partner, their child, their property, or threaten them can usually ask for a peace bond. The person you are worried about does not need to have been charged with a crime.
You do not have to be married or living with the person. The concern could involve a current or former partner, a family member, someone you know casually, or even a neighbour or stranger, depending on the situation.
Filing, Temporary Orders, Service, and Hearing
Filing (Starting the Process)
The peace bond process usually starts by speaking with police or directly with the court (often a provincial court). In many places, you speak with an intake worker, clerk, or prosecutor who records why you are afraid and what has happened to cause your fear.
If the official believes your fear may be reasonable, they can start an application or information for a peace bond. You may be asked for details such as dates, prior incidents, and any texts, emails, or witnesses.
Temporary Orders
Criminal peace bonds under the Criminal Code do not always include a separate “temporary” peace bond stage. However, in urgent situations, police may lay criminal charges or impose release conditions on the other person, and those conditions can act like a short-term protective order.
Service (Notifying the Other Person)
Once the process starts, the court will usually ensure the other person is formally notified (served) with the peace bond documents. In criminal peace bond matters, this is often handled by police or a sheriff, not by the survivor.
The other person is told when to appear in court and what the application is about. You usually do not have to deliver papers yourself.
Hearing
If the other person does not agree to the peace bond, the court may hold a hearing. A judge will listen to evidence from both sides to decide whether there is a reasonable fear of harm or threats.
You might be asked to testify about what has made you afraid. The other person or their representative may ask you questions. In many courts, the judge can put limits around questioning to reduce unnecessary distress.
Relief Survivors Can Request in a Peace Bond
If a judge grants a peace bond, it can include conditions tailored to safety concerns. These may include:
- No contact with you (and sometimes with children or other named people), including in person, by phone, text, email, or social media.
- No attendance at certain places, such as your home, workplace, school, or other locations important to you.
- Requirements to stay a specific distance away from you or from certain locations.
- Restrictions on having weapons, firearms, or certain items that could be used to threaten or harm.
- Conditions about alcohol or drug use if this is linked to the safety concern.
- Any other conditions the court believes are reasonable to protect your safety or the safety of your property.
You can tell the court what conditions would help you feel safer, but the judge decides which ones are ordered and how they are worded.
Duration of a Peace Bond
Criminal peace bonds under the Criminal Code usually last up to 12 months. In some situations, they can be renewed or a new peace bond can be requested if the fear continues.
Civil protection orders under provincial or territorial laws may last for shorter or longer periods, or may be indefinite, depending on local legislation and the specific court order.
For more information on support options, including shelters, legal information, and safety planning services across Canada, you can explore resources listed at DV.Support.