Moenie oplaai nie - ons speel hiermeeThis study focuses on using sand play as play medium within the framework of gestalt therapy. The researcher explored the effectiveness of this medium with the aim to assist children in their toddler phase, to vent their experiences of family violence and to furthermore teach them coping skills. During the research process, the researcher involved three toddlers who are victims of family violence, in therapeutic sessions. Sand play was utilized as play medium during these sessions. As theoretical basis for the research, aspects of the phenomenon of family violence, the emotional impact of family violence on the child (specifically the toddler), the impact of family violence on the behavioural characteristics and developmental skills of the toddler, the theoretical principles and process of gestalt therapy, the therapeutic process with the toddler as victim of family violence as well as the use of sand play as play medium, were investigated. The researcher used applied research for this study and trusts that the findings regarding the use of sand play, will improve service delivery in the field of social work, with toddler victims of family violence. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted