Being silent can be used to lessen vulnerability. Others don't know where you are coming from when you remain silent. You can collect information about others to be used for your own purposes through the tactic of premeditated silence. 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.