The family of 14-year-old Northern Territory girl Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett has called for an end to cyberbullying and harassment after the teenager tragically took her own life.
The Everett family revealed the depths of their daughter’s struggle with bullying and sadness by releasing a copy of the final drawing Dolly made before her death on January 3.
“Before Dolly died, she completed a drawing and wrote the words, ‘stand up, speak even if your voice shakes’,” her family said in a statement.
“This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had travelled to.
“We are not concerned with the who or the why of who pushed our daughter to this point, we just want to save another family going through the sadness and tragedy that our family is experiencing.”
As ABC News reports, Dolly’s family are launching a trust called ‘Dolly’s Dream’ to shine a spotlight on bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide.
Dolly has been remembered by millions as the face of Akubra hats when she was a child.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post shared on Sunday, Dolly’s father spoke out about losing his daughter
“This week has been an example of how social media should be used, it has also been an example of how it shouldn’t be,” Tick Everett wrote.
“If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted. I know for some suicide is considered cowerdly but I guarantee those people wouldn’t have half the strength that my precious little angel had, Doll had the strength to do what she thought she had to do to escape the evil in this world.
“However unfortunately Dolly will never know the great pain and emptiness left behind.”
Mr Everett invited his daughter’s alleged bullies to attend the funeral service for Dolly.
“Firstly if by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created,” he posted.
“The second is for the strong ones, lets stop the bullies no matter where, but especially in our kids, as the old saying goes. You will never know what have untill it’s gone.”
As news.com.au reports, a funeral service for Dolly will be held on Friday in Casurina St Primary School in Katherine East.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline for 24/7 support on 13 11 14 or visit the website at lifeline.org.au. If it’s an emergency, call 000.
