'Space' has a significant role in studies of interpersonal violence, also referred to as 'domestic violence' or, more inclusively, 'family violence': a term which encompasses violence that occurs within intimate relationships as well as violence which involves other members of a family structure. In sharp contrast to stereotypical images of the dangerous streets and the dangerous stranger (often associated with crime), family violence is characterised by the space in which it occurs, within the privacy and sanctity of the family home against and by those in the family unit.