Born in 1991, Allem was the cherished only child of Ali and Dina Halkic. He was an energetic, happy teenager and grew up in a loving and supportive environment.

In February 2009, he took his own life at the hands of a bully. It wasn’t until 2011 when he was officially recognised as a victim of crime.

Up until the moment he met the offender in October 2008, Allem lived a happy life. 

Towards the latter part of 2008, the brief friendship became strained and the tone ultimately changed as a result of falling out over a girl. The bullying commenced soon after, with slander, verbal attacks and threats of physical violence as the cyber-bullying escalated. There were hundreds of threatening messages online against Allem. He felt his life was spiraling, but as the gentle and kind boy he was, he was more worried about his friends and family as the offender was now threatening those closest to him. Allem attempted many times to make amends, to appease the offender, to no avail.

On the evening of February 4, 2009, everything seemed normal. Allem had been at a friend’s place and returned home around 9.30pm. He went to his room and was engaged on his computer. He walked downstairs for a drink and a quick snack and we went to bed soon after. At around 1.10am, oblivious to his parents, Allem had a conversation with the offender, the contents of which are unknown. Following this discussion Allem wrote his suicide note; he contacted a friend and was dropped off to the Westgate Bridge.

His death was incomprehensible. The loss was overwhelming to his family and friends. From that moment, his parents continually campaigned to bring awareness to the dangers of cyber-bullying. As a result of this campaigning, on April 20, 2011 a hearing was conducted at the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) and, with the assistance of Schembri and Co Lawyers Essendon, Allem was formally recognised as a victim of crime. This was a landmark decision and the first in Australia.

Magistrate Capell found that the behaviour was an act of violence. He said, “It’s a recognition that in my view his death was a direct result of that criminal act of stalking and I’m satisfied in this matter it’s one of those rare cases where I would have to say the connection is just inevitable.”

This landmark decision allowed the Halkic family to restore Allem’s dignity and gave other victim’s families a glimmer of hope. His legacy lives on through the work Bully Zero delivers.

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