Clinicians can be targets of violence. The emergency setting, which includes psychiatric and medical emergency services, may be the most dangerous place to work in a hospital. Therefore, while an understanding of the principles of managing aggression is vital to all physicians, it is especially important to those clinicians working in the emergency setting. In addition to the mainstay treatments of medication administration and physical restraint, there are alternative treatment strategies that should be employed in the management of agitated patients. An understanding of the dynamics of violence is essential to implementing successful intervention, as violence is a reaction to feelings of passivity and helplessness. Clinicians should conduct a thorough risk assessment, appreciating the risk factors for violence. They should be aware of principles of office safety and architectural features that can enhance safety. When possible, physicians should offer reassurance in a non-threatening manner, acknowledge and validate the patient's affect, and encourage an open conversation about the patient's feelings in an attempt to avoid the violent situation. © MBL Communications Inc.