BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2018—A high-profile arraignment offers an opportunity for trusted figures like teachers, coaches, and mentors to discuss domestic violence with the people who look up to them, and for law enforcement agencies to affirm their commitment to victims and survivors, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

JABARI BIRD, 24, was arraigned in Brighton Municipal Court today on charges of strangulation, kidnapping, and assault and battery for allegedly beating a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship on the afternoon of Sept. 7. Assistant District Attorney Khyati Short recommended $100,000 and strict conditions of release if he posts that amount; Judge David Donnelly imposed $50,000 bail and ordered Bird to have no contact with the victim and witnesses; to stay away from their school campus; to use no drugs or alcohol and possess no weapons; to continue with his medical treatment plan; and to not leave Massachusetts, except for business and under the condition that he notify probation officers in advance.

Bird allegedly assaulted the woman at his Brighton home during a period of about four hours on Friday and physically prevented her from leaving. When he later passed out, she left the residence and contacted a friend and a coach. Together, they sought treatment for the victim’s injuries at a Boston Hospital. There, they also disclosed the abuse to the police department of the victim’s Boston-area college and then to Boston Police.

“No one should have to live in an abusive relationship,” Conley said. “Anyone living in fear of domestic violence can count on our office for a safe, supportive, victim-centered environment,” Conley said. “As this case illustrates, a trusted figure in a survivor’s life can make disclosing abuse to law enforcement easier. It might be a friend, coach, family member, or co-worker. It might be police or prosecutors directly. But no matter the circumstances and no matter who you are, it’s important to remember that there are people ready to help you.”

Conley said his office and police departments across Suffolk County have experienced investigators sensitive to the needs of domestic violence victims and survivors. The victims of any crime, including domestic violence, should call 911 in an emergency; SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages.

Bird was represented today by attorney Brian Kelly. He returns to court on Oct. 25.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.