When comparing different studies on prison violence, it must be taken into account that correctional facilities vary considerably among one another. Studies conducted in Switzerland have shown that every one inmate in four is violent at least once during incarceration. These violent acts differ in regard to manifestation and a specific characterization of violence according to type, target, implication and trigger appears to be necessary. Existing criminal prognostic instruments are not suitable for estimating the risk of violent behavior in prisons. Therefore, the development of specific models is essential. International studies have identified various risk factors. However, due to the aforementioned differences in facilities, these predictors can only partly be transferred to a Swiss setting.