Background Findings from violence risk assessment prediction‐outcome studies suggest that there is no overall ‘standout’ scheme. Aim This paper aims to highlight that even greater attention is now required on intervention‐focused research. Methods Recent advances in the development of structured professional judgement schemes, such as the Historical, Clinical, Risk Management‐20 (Version 3), are considered when applied to the tasks of refining individual case formulation and risk management planning. The paper also considers social science research relevant to improving interventions aimed at preventing violence and related risks. Results A sequential redirection treatment model is proposed on the basis of our limited understanding of how interventions ‘work’ when applied to mentally disordered offenders. Conclusions and implications for practice Future developments in violence‐reduction interventions will require improved integration between the worlds of research and clinical practice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.