A violent episode was defined as a "threatened or actual act of physical aggression." The violent incidents were categorized as verbal threat of violence against others, physical attacks against others, and destruction of property. A standard proforma was completed following each incident; it recorded details of the violent incident, the time of occurrence, the members of staff involved, the offender, any associated or precipitating or related factors, and the eventual outcome. A total of 102 violent-incident proformas were completed during the 6-month study period. Forty-nine incidents involved verbal threat or abuse, and another 51 incidents involved physical assault against a staff member. Ten incidents included damage to hospital property. A total of 109 offenders were involved in the incidents; 86 were male, and 23 were female. Ninety-three offenders were patients, 5 were relatives or friends of patients, and 11 other persons behaved violently or aggressively within the A/E Department. Forty percent of violent patients were between the ages of 16 and 25 years. Alcohol was a related factor in 71 incidents. Acute drug overdose was noted in 12 patients, 5 of whom were parenteral drug abusers. Suggestions for preventive and protective measures are offered. 2 tables and 5 references