This study aims to answer how social workers conceptualize the risk of violence in their workplace. The data consisted of seven interviews with social workers working in financial aid departments in or around the Stockholm area. Semi structured interviews were used to gather the data which then were processed with a fenomenographic method. The data was analyzed with Lazarus and Folkman theory on coping and Antonovsky’s generalized resistance resources. The findings in this study shows that all respondents have experienced threats or violence in some form in their work. They use strategies to cope with both the situation at hand and the emotions connected to the event. The respondents were affected in their spare time to some extent. It will be argued that there is a form of duality between to not accept violence and at the same time have understanding for client’s vulnerable situation and for the effect social workers decision-making have on the client’s lives.