Silence can convey supposed neutrality. If you don't take sides you will remain in favor with others. Silence can allow someone to be a chameleon. As a result, honest relating can be escaped. In these ways, silence can be violent.
Silence can be oppressive as women and other marginalized people know.
They have been kept in silence by others not valuing or encouraging their thoughts or opinions. It is a way to keep them in their place. Oppressive silence becomes internalized resulting in a poor self-concept. Acquiescence is often the response - supposedly to keep the peace in the family or in the work place. It is not just the absence of talk.