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The concept of “risk” is fundamental to prevention and management of violence. Definitions for terms such as “safe”, “unsafe”, “acceptable risk”, “unacceptable risk” and “high risk” will vary according to the organization. An awareness of risk of aggression from clients due to past history of violence, life problems, anger, frustration, grief, loss or loneliness is essential all are contributors to the risk of aggressive behavior. Risk is also related to the environment. When the care-giver is aware of risk and has the skills to notice early warning signs of aggression, he or she will be in a better position to prevent escalation and less likely to unwittingly escalate the behavior.

Successful prevention depends on early recognition of the signs of risk and understanding of the appropriate response that will help or reduce the risk of aggressive behavior. There is a combination of factors which can be used to predict in which situation a client is more likely to be at “risk” for assaultive episodes.

Risk factors for violence include:

•History of violence or assault

•Previous exposure to past incidents of aggression and violence

•Age (younger, majority age 20-40)

•Gender (males more than females)

•Alcohol/drugs (dependence/intoxication/withdrawal)

•Socio-economic status (low more than high)

•Estimated IQ (low more than high)

•Residential mobility

•Marital status (lack of)

•Violent/abusive family or friends

•Difficulty communicating

•Diagnosis (mental or physical illness or injury)

•Treatment setting

•Legal status (involuntary or voluntary)

•The environment. (crowding)

•Sensitivity to disruptive events

•Patients who feel loss of power or control

•Employee related: negative staff attitudes, new inexperienced staff with minimal education, male staff more likely to be assaulted than female, lack of or limited violence prevention training.

Another contributing factor is the approach of the care provider.