Webwhen a child receives the silent treatment from a parent, they can feel anxious and insecure, explains relationships australia practice specialist kerri james. Webpublished on march 24, 2022. Medically reviewed by stephanie hartselle, md. Webthe silent treatment is sometimes just a sign of poor communication skills. But it can also be a tactic in emotionally abusive relationships. Learn how to respond to. Webthe silent treatment encompasses any number of behaviors that involve intentionally ignoring or not speaking to someone, and it can be abusive. Webwhen the silent treatment causes harm, it is important to set boundaries. Close the door when all else fails and focus on yourself. When the abuser completely ignores what you’ve said, changing the subject or just staying silent to a question or statement that generally requires a. Kipling williams has studied the effects of the silent treatment for more than 36 years, meeting hundreds of victims and perpetrators in the process: Websilent treatment undermines the sense of safety essential for intimate sharing and connection. It’s important for the targeted partner to recognize when it could.