Implicit threats of violence exist all around us. Perhaps we are too quick to respond to many of them, yet the feelings they generate are real. Approach your car in a deserted parking garage late at night and think of the way you feel when you hear footsteps approaching from behind. Consider the feelings of a woman on an elevator when three strangers crowd in around her. There may be no threat intended by any of these parties but the perceptions of potential physical violence are real.
Violence is a part of our society.
Such violence is not limited to street crime. Parental threats may be veiled but a small child can sense that the bottom line comes from disproportional size and strength. Violence need not be employed in order to punctuate speech. Furthermore, communication is not limited to words alone. The tone of voice, the expression on one's face, movements, gestures and prior experience all add to the content communicated.