I am a firm believe in gut instinct. If you see this kitty flinch and you think abuse, I'd go with that. I always tell my Calvin "You'd think you were abused" by the way he hides at any unfamiliar noise or voice. But he NEVER flinches at any movement I make. I think that little voice in your head should be listened to. That kitty is much too young to be flinching and clearly if he's in the hall multiple times they don't even know where he is. Calvin was a darter when I lived in an apartment but hello...there's only one door in an apartment. How hard is it to notice a cat dashing by you especially when you know he's a dasher.
POOF THE KITTY!