Assessing and managing violence places a heavy burden. The authors examine current explanatory theories of violence and how these influence assessment and intervention. Using case studies and a variety of agency documents, the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches are weighed up and a framework is presented to help workers looking to effect positive change.

Contents: 1. Introduction -- 2. Assessing violence -- 3. Grief and loss: psychodynamic approaches -- 4. 'Wrong-thinking': cognitive behavioural approaches -- 5. Challenging men, supporting women: feminist approaches -- 6. 'Mad and bad': mentally disordered offenders -- 7. Safety building: solution-focused approaches -- 8. Deconstructing problems: narrative approaches -- 9. Conclusion. Towards effective practices with violence.