Is violence natural? Forensic psychiatrist Gwen Adshead attempts to answer this question. In this lecture, Professor Adshead explores current conceptualisations of violence, using criminological, penal and psychological perspectives. She discusses why rates of violence appear to be falling, and whether all forms of violence are the same. She explores the relationship between mental disorders and violence, and the concept of ‘normal’ violence in liberal democracies. Dr Adshead suggests that it may be fruitful to understand violence as a multiply determined act which has meaning for the perpetrator.