This work focuses on seclusion and the violent mentally ill. It also addresses: human rights issues and institutional constraints; the history of seclusion and seclusion abuse; the views of patients and staff; public concern; and current approaches to mental health care. The aim of the text is to explode myths and replace these with a logical, systematic and research based approach to practice. The authors do not call for a complete ban on seclusion but advocate better research, policies and approaches to this subject.