THE SILENT TREATMENT... No discussion of emotional abuse through words would be complete without including the ABSENCE OF WORDS as a form of abuse. This is commonly known as the silent treatment. Abusers punish their victims by REFUSING TO SPEAK TO THEM or even acknowledge their presence. Through silence the abusers loudly communicate their displeasure, anger, frustration, or disappointment. Depending on the person, this silent treatment can last for hours, days, or weeks. For some abusers, it is a preferred method of communication because of its ability to humiliate and control the victim.... The silence, the loss of verbal relationship, is meant to exact an emotional toll on the other person, who often will go to great lengths to attempt to restore communication with the abuser. This level of CONTROL is precisely what the abuser is looking for, as well as a way to vent his/her anger at the other person. By not verbally expressing that anger, by avoiding showing anger themselves, the abuser is allowed to feel as if the victim is the only person at fault for whatever wrong is perceived by the abuser. If the victim responds to the silent treatment with anger, the abuser is doubly vindicated. [ Excerpts from: HEALING THE SCARS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE, by Dr. Gregory L. Jantz and Ann McMurray ]
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 10:17:21 +0000
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