CLIENT VIOLENCE TOWARD SOCIAL-WORKERS - A PRACTICE AND POLICY CONCERNFOR THE 1990S

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.