BREAKING BARRIERS
A program empowering survivors of sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence, through building psychological, social, and physical self-defense.

A PHOENIX RISING
As the formation of GET SAFE® was shaping in 1985, founder Stuart Haskin’s driving passion was to offer aid, solutions, and opportunities to survivors of sexual crime.
After being certified by the state of California as a Crisis Intervention and Sexual Assault Counselor, Stuart built relationships with a variety of local Orange County crisis intervention and risk reduction agencies. Through this, a strong partnership was developed with an agency named Waymakers. This agency provides restorative services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
The first model of the Breaking Barriers™ program was introduced in 1988 as the Spirit Warrior program. It was funded and supported by California's OC Regional Center for victims of sexual violence, and was tailored to provide trauma care, self-defense safety modules, psycho-educational classes on sexual assault, sex-trafficking, and rape.
The very essence and origination of GET SAFE® was built upon the ideal of freedom for survivors, with it's primary operations being conducted in the fields of prevention, intervention, and restoration of sexual assault and sex trafficked survivors.
As in the age old tail of the Phoenix rising from ashes, the "Breaking Barriers™" program intends to enable a transformation, and lift one to their higher self.
BREAK THE CYCLE
Survivors share their experiences and emotions in a safe and controlled environment, and utilizes evidence-based practices.
GROUP PROCESSING
Participants are taught techniques to help them feel prepared and empowered to defend themselves from dangerous
situations.
SELF-DEFENSE
Provide information regarding home, work, and travel. Creates a 'safety-mindset' to aid in day-to-day life interactions.
SAFETY EDUCATION

SURVIVOR
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Empowerment Self-Defense
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S.A.F.E. Technique™
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Protective dating behavior and awareness
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Rebuilding healthy relationships and boundaries
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Risk reduction techniques using 'Choice and Consequences'
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Developing a survivor mindset
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Breaking the 'Cycle of Violence'
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Human Trafficking tricks and lures
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Legal rights, community resources, and support systems
WEEKS
4 WEEKS
SESSIONS
8 SESSIONS
TIME
1.5 HOURS
CAPACITY
UP TO 15
PROGRAM STAFF
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Review of 'Survivor Program' curriculum
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'Secondary Survivor Training'
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Identifications of survivors of crime
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Workplace safety and counseling basics and tips
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Empowerment & Inclusion
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Crisis Response Training (CRT) and mindset development
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Identifying needed accommodations and resources
WEEKS
-
SESSIONS
1 SESSION
TIME
1.5 HOUR
CAPACITY
UP TO 45
EMPOWERMENT
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Basic Empowerment Self-Defense technique
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S.A.F.E. Technique™
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Protective dating behavior and awareness development
-
Rebuilding healthy relationships and boundaries
-
Risk reduction techniques using 'Choice and Consequences'
-
Identifying and Developing a Safe Mindset
WEEKS
-
SESSIONS
1 SESSION
TIME
2 HOURS
QTY. STUDENTS
UP TO 30



Breaking Barriers™ is a multidimensional program intended to address not only the psychological aspects of victimization, but also to trigger and relieve the physical trauma through empowerment self-defense exercises, and role-playing scenarios.
WORKSHOPS
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Before coming to GET SAFE®, I didn't think I would ever feel whole again. I'm learning that I don't have to 'get over' what happened, but…
IT NO LONGER CONTROLS ME.
IT MAKES ME STRONGER.
- Natalia, GET SAFE Graduate