Silent treatment is another type of emotional abuse. It is also a behavior that a person gets into in order to seek attention. Abusers, who use silent treatment, are cruel, manipulative and they lack self esteem. They are very good at using it as a tool to demean the victim. It also a way for an abuser to show that he/she is dissatisfied with what they have, and they definitely have no respect for others. The person, who is the abuser, enjoys from ill treating others and also they are considered to be egotistical. They have the misconception that they are extremely important to the society and therefore, have to be put on a pedestal.

Silent treatment is unacceptable type of abuse. Nobody should have to put up with such behavior. Do not give any importance to the tantrums of the abuser and you have to let the abuser know that you have reached your tolerance limit. You have to inform the abuser to stop behaving in this manner. If you want to salvage the relationship, you have to be open and honest about your feelings. You should be clear and precise in your expectations of the relationship. However, if the abuser continues giving you the silent treatment, it is time to move on and start afresh. This shows that abuser is unwilling to change.

The reason for such an abuse is the diehard attitude of the abuser. Also, it is habit for them. If the person does not recognize that it is his/her fault, then there is no point in trying further. It is best that you abandon the relationship rather than suffer for your entire life. It is very hard to throw away relationships, especially marriages, but it will have better impact on your life. However, it depends on an individual and if you feel you can continue in the relationship without your wellbeing being affected, then you can bring a positive change. 

Some of the signs of silent treatment are as follows:

• The abuser ignores the victim completely and behaves as though the victim does not exist
• They ignore and treat the victim as though they are doing a favor by giving their time, which the victim does not deserve
• They also do not respond to any of questions put forth by the victim
• They can stay silent for several days or months at a time
• They act as though the victim has done something to ruin their mood and put the blame on the victim
• They also expect an apology from the victim for what they think that the person has done wrong.
• They enjoy making the victim feel guilty
• Silent abusers often use the victim's affection as a tool as they know the victim hold's the abuser in high regard. On the other hand, the abuser will withhold emotionally and physically just to hurt the victim
• They have self pity and self empathy and they will never recognize their fault
• They want to control every part of the victim's life and make the person feel subservient
• They will make statements like, there is nothing to talk about, or that they do not want to start a fight
• The children realize that the parents are not talking to each other. It is difficult to explain to the children as to what is happening. They are often used as the mediators in such a relationship

More Articles :

• Defending Against Emotional Abuse
• Recognizing Emotional Verbal Abuse
• Understand Emotional Abuse And Silent Treatment
• What Is Emotional Abuse ?