• Summary: Increasing concern in the UK about rising levels of violence in the health and social care sectors has led to new government initiatives, such as the zero-tolerance campaign in the NHS and the National Task Force on Violence against Social Care Staff. This article provides an overview of the research and guidance literature in social care and summarizes the main findings.
• Findings: Research evidence in this field is scarce and contradictory, and contrasts with the apparent certainty underpinning national initiatives. Major issues are examined in the light of both theoretical perspectives on violence and recent changes in the organization of social care.
• Applications: It is argued that violence is common, and that an understanding of the multiple causes of violence in any given social context is vital in strategies for its prevention and management. Attention is drawn to the crucial role of quality services in addressing violence.
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