Recent anecdotal evidence and limited empirical data suggest that phys
ical and emotional violence by clients toward social workers is increa
sing in all settings. Using case examples, this article examines clien
t violence and illustrates the ways in which such violence is manifest
ed, the risk factors for violent behavior, and the ways in which incid
ents psychologically and physically affect clinicians. Systematic info
rmation to guide constructive' action on this issue is lacking, and th
ere is a critical Meed for a large-scale investigation of the incidenc
e, prevalence, and nature of Violence toward social workers. This arti
cle presents several recommendations for strategies and policies that
social workers and agencies can institute now to protect frontline wor
kers from Violence without compromising client services.