VIOLENCE IN THE INSTITUTION

Causes of violence in the institution usually have been attributed sol ely to violence-oriented behaviour of individuals within the instituti on. The article draws attention to other causes such as sociological i nstitutional, and victim-oriented causes, all of which contribute to v iolent behaviour within the institution. In this respect, the isolatio n of the institution from society is a relevant factor. Violence cause d by the organizational structure of the institution (institutional vi olence) is another: Unequal distribution of power, together with a hig h visibility of power structures, will encourage abuse of power: The d elinquent, too, may be violence-oriented. Lastly, the theory of ''lear ned helplessness'' provides a victim-oriented explanation of violent b ehaviour: In this context, emphasis is laid on violence in correctiona l institutions, violence against the elderly, and violence in school. The article gives recommendations for the prevention and treatment of violence in institutions.