Violence creates insecurity in the preschooler and interferes with development beyond the intense drive to meet the basic needs. A child in need of food, shelter, clothing, or security cannot adequately move on to develop self esteem or positive relationships due to their drive to meet their basic survival needs. Once these needs are met, the child can meet higher level needs. Abuse takes many forms. Preschoolers experiencing or exposed to abuse may act out, become overly protective of the abusers or family members threatened by the abuser, or may attempt to become the perfect child.
Preschoolers believe they cause the abuse, as their cognitive development centers around themselves.
They do not have the ability to understand the abuse in other terms. Exposure to inappropriate behaviors by others is detrimental to the preschooler s development. The preschooler may attempt to imitate these behaviors or may be traumatized by them. The preschooler needs protection from abuse, neglect, and exposure to inappropriate behaviors. Exposure to these creates insecurity, emotional and psychological problems, and can arrest development.