Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Bully Zero
 
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Book now Donate
Menu
  • About Bullying
    • What is Bullying?
    • Online Bullying
    • Workplace Bullying
    • Responding to Bullying
    • Bullying Myths and Facts
    • Statistics and figures
    • Fact Sheets & Activities
  • Who we are
    • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Strategic Plan
    • Our Impact
    • Our Patron
    • Our Directors
    • Our Ambassadors
    • Our Partners
  • What we do
    • School Programs
    • Workplace Programs
    • Play Fair Sports
    • Culture of Excellence
    • National Bullying Prevention Week
  • News and Events
    • Latest News
    • Latest Events
    • Media Releases
  • Get involved
    • Building for the Next Ten
    • Become a Hiro
    • Ways to Donate
    • Fundraise for us
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Join the Team
  • Resources
    • Fact Sheets & Activities
    • Parent Resources
    • Mindfulness Pack
    • Meditation
    • Blog - BRAVE
  • Shop
  • Contact us
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Our Story
  1. Who we are
  2. Our Story

Our Story

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.

Since launching in 2013, we have educated over 400,000 young people, parents and employees.

Published: 3rd August, 2016

Updated: 23rd September, 2020

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • A Convenient Villain

    A Convenient Villain

  • Telethon Funds WA Inclusive Communities Project 2023

    Telethon Funds WA Inclusive Communities Project 2023

  • Australian Charity Awards 2022 Winner - Outstanding Achievement

    Australian Charity Awards 2022 Winner - Outstanding Achievement

    Bully Zero has just been recognised for Outstanding Achievement in The Australian Charity Awards 2022.

  • Kimberly jumps out of a plane to squash bullying.

    Kimberly jumps out of a plane to squash bullying.

    A survivor of domestic violence and mental health issues, I am a staunch advocate for anything that improves the future for all. I am a cadet journalist located in Hay NSW and would put the jump and promote int on our social media outlets.

Most read

  • Statistics and figures

    Statistics and figures

    The current official statistics relating to bullying in Australia.

  • School Programs

    School Programs

    Bully Zero delivers online or face to face Bullying Education Programs to schools across Australia.

  • About us

    About us

    We work to prevent and reduce bullying through evidence-based education, advocacy, and support for all communities across Australia.

  • Our Story

    Our Story

    Equipped with the desire to make a difference, a group of passionate individuals joined forces in 2012 to create Bully Zero.

  • What is Bullying?

    What is Bullying?

    It’s more than just an disagreement or single act of dislike.

  • Workplace Programs

    Workplace Programs

    Bully Zero has developed whole business and one off solutions to ensure staff remain safe, valued and respected.

  • Our People

    Our People

    We’re proud to have such a committed and passionate Board of Directors and Staff dedicated to ending bullying.

  • Workplace Bullying

    Workplace Bullying

  • Become a HIRO

    Become a HIRO

    Our national volunteer program, HIRO, draws on the voices, passion and energy of those who are passionate to help end bullying. Become a HIRO today.

  • Bullying Myths and Facts

    Bullying Myths and Facts

    The myths and facts surrounding bullying..

National Bullying Prevention Week Appeal

National Bullying Prevention Week Appeal

Help us fund the roll out of bullying education programs to 100 schools across Australia. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 26th August, 2020

Updated: 29th October, 2021

Author: Janet Grima

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Head Office: 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields, Victoria, 3041 | Tel: 03 9094 3718 | Email: [email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin


AS FEATURED ON