Late Thanksgiving night, I was assaulted by my then boyfriend in his home at ____ St. Andrews Drive in Midway.

I was able to leave and drove myself to my home in Park City.

I called the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. Because it happened in your county, they transferred me to your office.

Officer ___________ answered. I introduced myself and explained, “I’m Julie Hooker. Brian Hoyt just assaulted me.”

Officer _____________ said, “I’ve dealt with you before.”

I explained that I am a school teacher and have never had dealings with the police.

He argued saying, “I’ve dealt with you and Brian at Stillwater.”

I protested because he was wrong.

Then, he complained, “How am I supposed to investigate this if you’re in Summit County?”

I didn’t have any answers because I’d never experienced this.

He told me he was sending a deputy from Summit County to my home.

While I waited, I called The Peace House. Unfortunately, I spoke with a new counselor.

She asked, “Did you leave any marks?”I told her, “I bit him.”

He was on top of me telling me, “I’m going to choke you out.”  I bit him.

She told me, “If you left a mark, he can spin it and they can arrest you.”

By the time Officer _____________ (from Summit County)  showed up, I was terrified. The Summit County Officer was compassionate, listened, took pictures, and asked if I wanted to press charges.  He was kind.  I could tell by his eyes and his voice, he’d seen this before.

But, after speaking to your Deputy ____________, in your office, I was terrified.

The next day, I went to InstaCare where the doctor gave me a letter to stay home for a week from school.  The x-ray technician, when I cried and shook, told me she’d experienced it and hadn’t pressed charges.

Many told me to press charges.  I didn’t because I was scared.

With hindsight, I realize that the bite marks I left were obviously in self defense. I don’t go around biting people on the shoulder.

Now, two months later, I still shake.  I’m afraid.  I cry.  My wrist still hurts.

But, I realize that if a respected teacher with a M.Ed and former planning commissioner cannot navigate your system, who can?

I am asking that you re-visit the incident with your Officer and let him know that he made me too afraid to do anything but live with it.

In addition, I am going to share this with Summit County and the Peace House.  I will also offer my services. I don’t want anyone else to experience this. In fact, I copied them on this letter.

Sheriff Martinez, again, thank you for the grace and professionalism your office offered me.  Thank you for the extra coverage in my neighborhood.

Jane, I know it was her first night.  She didn’t know what to tell me.

Please know that I’ll do anything to keep this from happening to someone else.

Sincerely,

Julie Hooker