On September 16, students came together with Campus Life, the Student Union, and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) to paint stones with messages of respect, consent, compassion, and care. The stones are now scattered across campus along walkways and in flower beds so that all UPEI community members can see the art and receive the messages of care.

Scatter Stones is part of PEI’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about sexual violence in our community; to educate on sexual violence prevention; and to show compassion and offer support to survivors of sexual violence in our community. 

Why Stones? Stones can be used to build boundaries. Similar to a fence around a home, boundaries are an important part of protecting ourselves. What behaviours or interactions are acceptable and comfortable for you? You have the right to decide your own limits and to have them respected. 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. 

Keep your eye out for these beautiful pieces of art as you travel through your day and let’s work together to continue building an inclusive, respectful, safe community at UPEI! 

If you experience sexual or gender-based violence, you are not alone. The UPEI Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office is here to help: 902-620-5090 or sv-pro@upei.ca. You can also visit us in Room 115-118 Kelley Memorial Building from 8:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.