If you ever have the chance to meet Marj Huskisson, you’ll experience nothing but kindness and gratitude.
A survivor of domestic violence, Kallangur-based Marj is now helping others going through similar experiences by putting together packages for them.
The packages include items such as tea towels and hand towels, pillowcases, tea/coffee/sugar in a reusable container and a notebook to write down everything they can. Each notebook also comes with a handwritten note of encouragement from Marj and each package is beautifully wrapped in bright coloured paper.
And on top of it all Marj purchases every piece herself.
“I understand their pain, I understand their fear, I understand the emotions that go with it,” Marj said. “It’s sad to see these women go through it and these men need to learn that violence or abuse is not the answer to their anger. If you’re going to get mad or whatever, go out into the backyard or something and hit a tree or something else. But do not put your hand on a lady, a girl or daughter or anyone for that matter!”
It’s been about a year since Marj embarked on this journey, with packages going to places including Redcliffe, Lawnton and other local surrounding areas, with some making it as far as Bundaberg when Marj travels there to visit her son.
There is also a big reason why she included pillowcases in her packages.
“If he sees you packing your clothes into a port (bag), he will know that you’re going to leave him,” she said. “If he sees you packing things in a pillowcase, he doesn’t have any idea. So pack things in a pillowcase and then go and move it as fast as you can.”
Triumph Over Adversity
Although she has been through a great amount of trauma in her life, which also includes the loss of a child, Marj continues to smile.
“I nearly had a breakdown,” Marj explains. “But then I decided I had to do something. So many women are experiencing domestic violence and find themselves homeless and they have nothing.
“When I first left my marriage, I went to a refuge and I had nothing, I know what it’s like. But instead of going down a bad path, I worked hard to turn things around.
“I’m in a safe place now. I’m here doing what I’m doing for others. And I do go to church, I’ve been going to church all my life, that’s another place of comfort for me.”
If you want to get in touch with Marj or to find out more about the packages, you can reach out to her through the Redcliffe Uniting Church.
Photo by Sheree Hoddinett
Photo caption: Marj has spent the past year putting together packages for others experiencing domestic violence.
This story appeared in the June 2024 issue of the North Lakes Guide.
