After a domestic violence incident in Ontario, you can contact your local police non-emergency line to arrange a free “keep the peace” escort. This allows you to safely return to the home for a brief 15-to-30-minute window to retrieve essential clothing, medications, and documents.
When fleeing domestic violence or when someone is suddenly removed from the home due to criminal bail conditions, personal belongings are almost always left behind. Returning to the matrimonial home alone in Toronto, Brampton, or Kitchener is incredibly dangerous and could lead to further violence or criminal charges.
Ontario law enforcement provides a specific protocol to handle this volatile situation safely. By arranging a police escort, you can retrieve your daily essentials without risking your safety or breaching a court order. If you need long-term access to the home or want to claim large assets, we strongly suggest finding a family lawyer in our directory to apply for an Order for Exclusive Possession. 🔍
Step-by-Step Process for a “Keep the Peace” Escort
A police escort is not a moving service. It is a strictly controlled, temporary access designed purely to maintain physical safety and prevent arguments between spouses.
Step 1: Contacting the Local Police
Call the non-emergency line of the police service that has jurisdiction over the home (such as the OPP or local municipal police). Explain that there has been a domestic incident and you need a “keep the peace” escort to retrieve essential belongings. Do not call 911 unless there is an active emergency. 📞
Step 2: Preparing a List of Essentials
Before the officers arrive, write down exactly what you need. You will only have roughly 15 to 30 minutes inside. Focus on critical items: prescription medications, passports, birth certificates, work laptops, daily clothing, and toiletries for you and your children. You cannot take large items like televisions or couches.
Step 3: Executing the Escort
The police will meet you near the residence and escort you inside. The officers are there strictly to keep the peace; they will not help you pack, and they will not act as judges to decide who owns a disputed item. If your ex-partner argues about an item, the police will simply instruct you to leave it behind to avoid a physical altercation. 👮
Step 4: Addressing Large Items Later in Family Court
For everything else left in the house (furniture, valuable art, joint bank records), you must handle it through the civil system. Your family lawyer will help you negotiate a separation agreement or file a court application for the division of net family property at the Superior Court of Justice.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
The immediate safety service provided by the police is completely free. However, resolving the ownership of the remaining household contents involves legal and moving expenses. 💲
| Service / Legal Action | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Police “Keep the Peace” Escort | $0 (Public Service) |
| Family Lawyer Retainer (Property Division) | $3,500 to $8,000+ |
| Motion for Exclusive Possession of Home | $2,500 to $6,000 |
| Professional Moving Company (Later) | $500 to $1,500+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Arranging the escort depends entirely on police availability. Sometimes they can assist you on the same day, but often you may have to wait 1 to 3 days for an available patrol car. The actual retrieval process is strictly limited to 15 to 30 minutes to ensure officers can return to emergency duties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my ex changes the locks?
If your ex changes the locks on the matrimonial home without a court order granting them exclusive possession, they are likely violating the Family Law Act. However, the police will not break down the door for you. You will need your lawyer to file an urgent motion in family court.
Can I take the children’s toys and beds?
You can usually take a few small comfort items or favourite toys for the children. However, taking entire beds or bedroom furniture is not allowed during a brief police escort.
Can I go back multiple times?
Generally, no. Police resources are limited, and “keep the peace” escorts are meant to be a one-time emergency event. You must get everything you need to survive the next few weeks in that single visit.
I am the accused on bail; can I get an escort?
Yes. Even if you are charged with a criminal offence and have bail conditions preventing you from contacting the victim, your bail order usually contains an exception allowing you to return to the home one time, specifically accompanied by a police officer, to retrieve your personal items.
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