This study aimed to explore relatives' perceptions of violent episodes and their suggestions on managing violence.

Qualitative design with focus groups including relatives (n = 8) was carried out. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

The relatives described patient violence in different contexts: at home, in a psychiatric hospital, and after discharge from the psychiatric hospital. They suggested interventions to achieve safer and more humane management of violent episodes.

Relatives are a valuable source of information in developing strategies to manage patient violence humanely. Their views on developing the quality of psychiatric care merit more attention.