Campaign Launches "Caitlin's Law" to Stop Abusers Becoming Next of Kin After Their Victim's Death, in memory of Caitlin Rose Thornton.

My name is Kylie, and my daughter, Caitlin Rose Thornton, was just 21 when she died on International Women’s Day. She was a loving mum to two little boys. That’s why I’m fighting for Caitlin’s Law.

Right now in NSW, if someone dies without a will, their spouse or de facto partner automatically becomes the senior next of kin, even in relationships where there have been domestic violence concerns, allegations, or charges. This means they can make decisions about funeral arrangements, personal belongings, communication with authorities, and even coronial processes. Families can be sidelined during the worst moments of their lives. 

After Caitlin died, our family experienced this firsthand. Under the current law, her former partner retained next-of-kin rights, which meant our family faced delays and barriers during a time we should have been grieving together. The system offered us no protection.

Caitlin’s Law would change this. It would allow police, the courts, or the Coroner to temporarily or permanently suspend next-of-kin rights in cases where domestic violence concerns exist and prioritise safe family members instead.

I can’t bring my daughter back. But I can fight so other families never face what we did. I’m asking you: please sign and share my petition calling on the NSW Government to urgently introduce Caitlin’s Law.