Children's drawings as a tool for revelation and support in cases of abuse

By Tania Masia, Director of Education & Innovation, Hope For Children 

Children’s drawings can be a valuable tool for revealing and understanding the experience of a child who has suffered abuse. At "Children's House," we have often received reports triggered by drawings with alarming content. During assessments or therapy, many children have created distressing images that indirectly depict their traumatic experiences. 

How often is abuse revealed through drawings? 

Abuse disclosure through drawings is not the most common form of diagnosis. However, in some cases, children who struggle to express themselves verbally may communicate their experiences through their drawings. Experts do not rely solely on drawings but use them as a tool for understanding and investigation, always in combination with the child’s behavior and overall history. 

Common Patterns in Drawings of Abused Children 

There is no absolute way to "read" drawings, but certain common patterns may indicate emotional or physical distress: 

1. Physical Features and Human Figures 

• Figures with missing features (e.g., no mouth – suggesting the child feels unable to speak; no eyes – possibly symbolizing fear or avoidance). 

• Exaggerated emphasis on genital areas, which may indicate sexual abuse. 

• Distorted or disproportionate human figures. 

  
  

2. Placement of the Child in the Drawing 

• The child draws themselves as very small or isolated from their family. 

• They appear next to a figure that looks threatening or disproportionately large. 

  
  

3. Violence and Aggression 

• Presence of weapons, wounds, or dark figures. 

• Use of dark colors such as red or black to emphasize certain figures. 

• Figures appearing trapped or restricted. 

  
  

4. Unusual or Symbolic Elements 

• Monsters, shadows, or faceless figures. 

• Bars, cages, or other forms of entrapment. 

  
  

Some children have drawn themselves as adults or sexualized figures, with exaggerated features like bold lipstick or oversized genitalia. In many cases, these children had been sexually abused or exposed to pornographic material. The information a professional can gather from a child’s drawing is significant, but interpretation must be approached with caution. 

How Do We Approach Children's Drawings in Therapy? 

Children’s drawings should not be examined in isolation but rather within the broader social and family context of the child. Key aspects to observe include: 

• How does the child place themselves in the drawing? 

• How do they depict their relationships with family and others? 

• Are there elements suggesting fear, distance, or a sense of threat? 

  
  

Analyzing these dynamics through drawings can help explore family relationships and provide valuable insights for professionals. 

Using Drawings as an Empowerment Tool 

The focus is not just on detecting trauma or "evaluating" the child’s psychological state but on creating a safe space where the child can express themselves and discover their strengths. 

1. Working with Drawings in a Way that Gives the Child Control 

• "What would you like to change in your drawing?" 

• "Who could help you in this scene?" 

  
  

2. Highlighting Exceptions and Strengths 

• If a drawing contains even one element symbolizing protection (e.g., a pet, the sun), we focus on it. 

• We ask the child how they could make this element bigger in their drawing and their life. 

  
  

3. Using "Miracle Questions" 

• "If you woke up tomorrow and everything was how you wanted it to be, how would your drawing change?" 

• "What could be added to make you feel safer or happier?" 

  
  

Overall, children’s drawings should not be used as an absolute diagnostic tool, but they can provide crucial insights into a child's emotional and psychological world. 

At Hope For Children, we have seen many cases where drawings initiated further investigation or helped children express their experiences. When approached correctly, they can serve not only as a means of disclosure but also as a tool for healing and empowerment. We must remain open-minded and attentive, utilizing every available tool to access a child’s story.