Is the silence treatment appropirate punishment?

While it may seem childish---isn't there a time when you have nothing to say and saying nothing is actually okay?
Rather than hurt them or belittle them, maybe it is best to leave them for a time and get perspective or get a grip on yourself.
The silence is actually for you more than a punishment. It is so you seem calm when you act, but they take it wrong.
But I can't be abused by them, I can't allow them to hurt me any more... I guess its just the end and time to move on.