Painted stones on campus ship messages of care

University of Prince Edward Island college students got here along with UPEI Campus Life, UPEI Student Union, and the UPEI Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SV-PRO) on September 16 to color stones with messages of respect, consent, compassion, and care. The stones are actually scattered throughout campus alongside walkways and in flower beds so that each one UPEI group members can see the artwork and obtain the messages of care.

The “Scatter Stones” occasion was a part of PEI’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week, a devoted time to boost consciousness about sexual violence in our group; to teach on sexual violence prevention; and to indicate compassion and supply assist to survivors of sexual violence in our group. 

Kelly Robinson, Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Officer at UPEI stated stones had been chosen for the exercise as a result of they can be utilized to construct boundaries. Similar to a fence round a house, boundaries are an necessary a part of self-protection. 

“What behaviours or interactions are acceptable and comfortable for you? All of us have the right to decide upon our limits and to have them respected,” stated Robinson. “Stones can also be used to build foundations. What sort of campus culture do we want? What principles matter to us? It is up to each of us to contribute to the foundations of our community.” 

Robinson encourages the University group to search for these stunning items of artwork throughout campus and use them as a reminder to work collectively to proceed constructing an inclusive, respectful, and secure group at UPEI.

For anybody who has skilled sexual or gender-based violence, the UPEI SV-PRO is offered to assist by calling 902-620-5090, emailing sv-pro@upei.ca, or visiting the SV-PRO in Room 115-118, Kelley Memorial Building from 8:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday.