 Behavioral Indicators of Abused Children
Children who have been physically abused TEND to display certain behavioral patterns.
• Abused children often live in an unpredictable environment where
behavioral expectations are frequently unclear and unpredictable.
• In response, the abused child may display inconsistent behaviors in an attempt to adapt to an uncertain environment.
• The behavioral patterns typically fall into 4 categories:
1. Overly compliant, passive, undemanding behaviors.
These behaviors are frequently seen in severely abused children and are
often adaptive in helping the child maintain a “low profile”. Specific
behaviors may include:
• Inhibited crying or verbal responses
• Overall sad demeanor
• Excessive self-control
• Overt fear of parents
2. Extremely aggressive, demanding and rageful behaviors
These behaviors are more often seen in mildly or inconsistently abused
children whose behavior is net with inconsistent responses form the
parent(s). Specific behaviors may include:
• Hyperactivity
• Temper tantrums
• Aggressive behaviors
• Indiscriminate seeking of affection
3. Overly adaptive behaviors
These behaviors may be in the form of role reversal in the parent-child
relationship. These patterns are frequently found in children whose
parents demonstrate unmet emotional needs and look inappropriately to
their child to fulfill these needs. Specific behaviors may include:
• Inappropriate maturity
• Excessive concern for the parent’s needs
• Overly dependent behavior
• Poor peer relationships
4. Lags in development
Many abused children will demonstrate developmental delays that can not
be explained by organic or congenital causes. These may include:
• Delays in toilet training
• Speech and language delays
• Learning disabilities
• Delays in motor skill development
*Disclaimer – These red flags are not absolute indicators that a child
has been abused. They should be seen as markers that abuse might be
present when these indicators are seen in sufficient degree and number
to be readily observable.
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