The complexities of managing and treating the violent offender are evidenced in the history of the terminated START program, which was designed to modify the behavior of violent inmates. START was criticized as being coercive and involuntary, such that it violated inmates' rights. The acceptability of various strategies for managing and treating violent inmates varies according to the corrections philosophy being emphasized. Responses to institutional violence focus on three interacting areas: institutional social climate and environment, staff and staff behavior, and inmate behavior. To prevent group violence, these elements must interact to form a homeostatic balance. The future is uncertain regarding the treatment of individual violent offenders, but progress is being made in preventing institutional violence as corrections management is involved in proactive efforts to improve institutional climates, facilities, and services. 47 references.