First published in 1985, this book is designed to help professionals in caring professions understand and deal with the problem of violent behaviour. It explains how theoretical ideas may be translated into practical strategies for the reduction or elimination of violence. It also highlights the issues and problems involved in the evaluation of intervention strategies aimed at dealing with aggressive behaviour.

Although the book is based firmly on scientific research, the emphasis is on the practical problem of dealing with violence. As such it will be of interest to those studying social care and social work, but also those whose professional duties bring them face to face with violent behaviour.

R. Glynn Owens, J. Barrie Ashcroft

Preface; Acknowledgments; Chapter One The Historical Context; Chapter Two The Present Problem; Chapter Three The Biological Perspective; Chapter Four The Social/Anthropological Perspective; Chapter Five The Psychological Perspective; Chapter Six Towards an Integration of Different Perspectives; Chapter Seven Strategies for Reducing Violence; Chapter Eight Obtaining Information; Chapter Nine Approaches to Intervention; Chapter Ten Evaluation of Information; Chapter Eleven Evaluating Research into Violence; Chapter Twelve Towards a Less Violent Future;