Teens
FAAR Club
The FAAR Club (Fighting Against Abusive Relationships) is about spreading awareness of abusive relationships. We are looking for ways to support our fellow peers if they have been, or are currently victims of Teen Dating Abuse. It is our goal to help our peers “See the Signs before they appear” in the big world of Life or otherwise known as the relationship world. Our club partners with Safe Haven and the local Shawano County Chapter of Voices to Men. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Old ITC room, and some extra meetings maybe held at Safe haven if needed for upcoming special events or activities we are involved in. Below you’ll find some topics of discussion.
Mission
Our mission as the FAAR Club is to raise awareness of Teen Dating/Teen Violence within our school and community. We strive to educate our peers within our own high school and other schools within our community about abusive relationships and how to prevent them. We are partnered with the local Domestic Abuse Center (Safe Haven) and are assisted and led by Kandi Krueger, Children’s Advocate. As a club, FAAR has presented at several conferences and schools about this specific topic. We aspire for others to “See the signs before they appear.”
What is an abusive relationship?
An abusive relationship could be, but is not limited to:
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Verbal Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
All of which are linked to the eight aspects of The Power and Control Wheel.
The Power and Control Wheel
Here are a few signs of an unhealthy dating relationship. We hope you will see the signs before they are outwardly apparent to know how to keep your relationships safe and healthy. Remember it is not your fault your partner is this way. These are also known as the eight aspects of the Power and Control Wheel.
1. Isolation/Exclusion
• Controlling what the partner does.
• Controlling who she/he sees and talks to and where he/she goes.
•. Uses jealousy to justify actions.
2. Anger/Emotional Abuse
• Using words rather than actions to put someone down.
• Making him/her feel bad about themselves.
• Playing mind games to make them feel guilty or humiliating him/her.
• Often leads to other negative feelings and is difficult to deal with.
3. Peer Pressure
• When a person pressures another into doing something that they do not want to do.
• Threatening to expose ones weakness, or spread rumors about that person.
• Telling a malicious lie about that individual to their peer group.
4. Sexual Coercion
• The act of being persuaded to have sex.
• Abuser uses manipulation, threats, and constant attempt to have sex.
• Makes victim feel uncomfortable and is done against his/her will.
• Abuser may use alcohol or drugs to get to the victim.
5. Threats
• Making and/or carrying out threats to do something to hurt another or themselves.
• An abuser in a relationship may be threatening to leave, to commit suicide, or to make sure their boyfriend or girlfriend do illegal things.
• Threats must always be taken seriously in a relationship.
6. Denying/Blaming
•. Making light of the abuse and not taking concerns seriously.
•. Saying the abuse didn’t happen.
• Shifting responsibility for abusive behavior saying the other person caused it.
7. Intimidation
• Making someone afraid by using looks, actions, or gestures.
• Behavior such as smashing things, destroying property, and displaying weapons.
• Intimidation is very unhealthy in a relationship and should be dealt with seriously.
8. Using Social Status
• A person who uses social status in a relationship is defining men’s and women’s roles.
• Treating him/her like a servant.
• Making all the decisions.
• Although commonly joked about, the saying, “cool story babe, now go make me a sandwich,” is a good example of using social status.
Our Accomplishments
• Attending multiple teen conferences and giving presentations at these conferences.
• Created a 20 minute educational video and music video.
• Held many successful fundraisers and activities to spread awareness.
• Been featured on the local Channel 11 News (WULK) for our activities during Teen Dating/Violence Awareness Month.
• Traveled and presented at six different schools, outside of Shawano County.
FAAR Club is supported by Safe Haven Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Center of Shawano and the Shawano Community High School. Visit the Facebook Page for events and updates.