Preventing Violence

Abstract

Although problems exist in any attempt to predict dangerousness (see for example Floud and Young, 1983), efforts must be made to plan to reduce or prevent violence. There is need for careful consideration of techniques and methods used in all work centres. Managers will need to give special attention to the calibre of staff appointed to key positions, as well as to their training needs. It does seem to us that as other professions have experienced violence in the past, social work agencies should be taking note of advice given to staff in hospitals. In particular, nursing and medical staff in this country as well as overseas have made the major contribution to the limited amount of available literature.