The silent treatment is a form of manipulative punishment, also called psychological abuse. This can occur in both couples and parents towards their children. In this blog I will go a little deeper into the forms and consequences of the silent treatment .

Origin

This form of psychological abuse arose in the prisons of the 19th century. They forbade the prisoners to speak to each other and when they were called, it was with their number instead of their name. The prisoners also had to cover their face when communicating with each other. All of this would help them reflect on the crimes they committed. 

Above: Sketch of prisoners walking on a rope with covered faces and in complete silence.
Source: acrosswalls.org

Silent treatment in relationships

The silent treatment is most common in relationships and is a kind of control mechanism. The silent partner tries to gain control over his/her partner, often because they refuse something.

The silent partner then ignores you and refuses to acknowledge your presence. This is his/her way of expressing anger and frustration. You as a victim end up feeling incompetent and worthless in the relationship, and that's exactly the place where your partner wants you. At this point, he can take control of you.

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