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In her own words: “The cycle of violence”

Nadine Haag in her words

Before her death in December 2009, Nadine Haag wrote vividly in her diaries about the spiralling conflict with her de facto, Nestore Guizzon, the father of her two-year-old child.

In the diary excerpts submitted as evidence to Nadine's inquest, she writes of her fear of Nestore Guizzon, of the warnings his sister gave her about his behaviour and fears that his family's “cycle of violence” could envelop Nadine and her daughter.

The inquest into Nadine's death heard that Nestore Guizzon and his sister Ofelia were the children of a man who had been violent to his own family before he committed suicide.

In her diary, Nadine records conversations she had with Ofelia, who expressed her fears that this pattern of violence would be repeated in Nestore.

“We chatted about the cycle of violence and that we needed to protect x (identity of daughter suppressed by courts). We spoke more of his control over Ofelia and how it has to stop.”

“She began to tell me about Nesta previous relationships. That the suitcase I found was held for ransom. That Nesta used to beat her...that's why she took self defence lessons...that she should have warned me about him, but didn't when she found out I was pregnant. She said that she hoped Nesta didn't have another kid...she told me about her father and that he almost killed her mum (lisi)...that she remembers always having to pack a bag and leave with her mum & Nesta as they didn't want to be around for another attack from the father. She said Nesta used to kill animals when he was young... she spoke about the father's suicide and that Nesta was so cold and emotionless... that he had money from father to pay for funeral etc but he took off after funeral and they didn't see him for months after, she said he was controlling and always lies about everything.

“She said she was really concerned for me and called her psychologist to get a professional opinion on how to leave safely esp for x's sake. She managed to get an appointment the following day 8.30am.

“I went. After 10 mins he said, 'Nadine, I have one word for you. Run. Get as far away from this man as possible. The situation is going to get worse. Do you want your daughter to be around this man? I know the family history and it's not good. I suggest you get on a plane, get your daughter and go to the safety of your family and go to Qld.'

“God – it was a relief but also I was so scared so scared.”

Nadine followed that advice and took her daughter from Sydney to Queensland. But at his insistence she returned to Sydney and shared parenting with Nestore Guizzon.
Nadine tried twice but was unable to secure an apprehended violence order against Nestore from police. In her diary Nadine describes the threats she received after Nestore Guizzon discovered she had been speaking with his sister Ofelia about their relationship.

“I'm scared as Ofelia may have told him I have spoken to her. I'm scared he is going to hit me. ….He looked like he was going to kill me...his fists were clenched so tight...I was truly petrified... he said, 'You f.....n idiot how dare you speak to my sister, you have got till midday tomorrow to tell me and if you don't you better have a damn good lawyer because you will never see x (daughter) again - it went on and I - I had no idea what to do or say as I had nothing to tell him aside from the monstrous electricity bill and that I had been talking to Ofelia about our issues and the way he was treating me.
“He continued to curse me and call me names, it began to rain heavy. It looked like he was bursting to punch me...I sat there and said he can't treat me like this...that his threats are scary and he is unpredictable...He said, 'just you wait, I suggest you pack your bags'
“I started crying and said I don't know what and why he's doing this...He said, 'what was that phone number with Legal Aid note on the table for'... I said, 'well Nestore you have threatened me so many times with kicking me out and saying I'm never going to see x again. I needed help so I called them. You don't expect me to put up with what you say and do to me'.
“'That's it Nadine you're out on your arse! You are so stupid.'”

Nadine writes that Nestore made up lies about her, including that she had stolen from him and that she was suicidal.

“The shit he has written about me My God – I stole 27000 from him... I'm suicidal...I was angry all the time!!
The lies. The lies.”

In the Coroner's Court and in his interview with Sunday Night Nestore Guizzon has disputed that these diaries are genuine. He claims he read other diaries written by Nadine Haag in which she recorded suicidal thoughts. No such diaries have emerged in the inquest.

Nestore Guizzon also denied being violent or threatening towards Nadine. In the court his mother Lisi denied there had been a pattern of violence from her husband, Nestore's father, who committed suicide.


If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 or beyondblue: the national depression initiative 1300 22 4636.



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