The use and effectiveness of peace bonds is currently seen as an important issue, in part because of the perception that they are frequently employed by women seeking protection from assault or threats by an abusive male partner or spouse. An examination of peace bonds is also timely in relation to 1993 amendments to the Criminal Code, among other things the establishment of the new offense of criminal harassment or stalking. The main findings of this study with respect to civil restraining orders (CROs) are: (1) Most parties to CROs are involved in some other matrimonial matter; (2) Most CROs are sought by female petitioners against male respondents; (3) CROs can be obtained very quickly; the availability of ex parte CROs is seen as an important factor contributing to their use; (4) Compliance with CROs is perceived to be generally good, although this view is based on subjective impressions only; and (5) CROs are not always available to the police. Appendix, tables, list of tables