A violent attack or criticism (8)
I believe the answer is:
diatribe
I believe this is a double definition.
'a violent attack' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'criticism' is the second definition.
(I have seen 'Violent criticism' mean 'diatribe' so perhaps 'criticism' could also mean 'diatribe')
(Other definitions for diatribe that I've seen before include "Lengthy harangue" , "Stream of invective" , "slating" , "Torrent of abuse" , "Passionate words" .)