Background
GET SAFE® Founder and CEO Stuart Haskin’s philosophy and the foundation for GET SAFE’s mission is to change mindsets to change outcomes and save lives - which ultimately leads to stronger and safer communities. Stuart has spent the last 35 years attaining black belts in Northern Shao-lin Kung Fu, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo. This expertise led to positions as a martial arts and self-defense instructor, including Krav Maga Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement and Civilians; executive and dignitary protection; event and club security; state-level Subject Matter Expert on crisis intervention and de-escalation; and he has been an active reserve with the Orange County Sheriffs for the past 23 years and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. These experiences taught him the value of reading human behavior, enhancing emotional intelligence, and effective communication tactics to recognize signs of aggression or potential violence before they escalate. He also quickly learned that most violence response efforts implore reactive measures, but neglect to focus on aspects that could prevent the aggression and trauma from occurring in the first place.
Stuart has spent decades empowering all populations to live safer lives, including survivors of violent crime, human trafficking and sexual assault, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, law enforcement, campuses, and corporate entities. He and the GET SAFE team focus on teaching violence prevention techniques, environmental awareness, effective communication tactics, how to utilize and enhance protective factors, recognizing signs of potential violence before they escalate, and how to seek support in the aftermath of an incident. He shares these techniques (and more!) in his book The Gift of Freedom: A Stronger, Safer You and his podcast ‘Movement for Change’. His extensive experience training a multitude of audiences uniquely qualifies him to bridge gaps in understanding, respect, empathy, and perspective between civilians and law enforcement. GET SAFE® is proud to have served hundreds of thousands of people, helping them learn to create change in their life through safety, relationships, or life goals.