Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across all communities, and addressing it requires a collaborative effort. In Washington, DC, a new initiative is bringing together law enforcement, clergy, and community organizations to tackle this problem head-on. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office recently hosted a gathering of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), clergy, and other stakeholders to launch the "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, signaling a unified approach to reducing domestic violence in the district.
The event, held in partnership with the MPD's Third Police District's "Cops and Clergy" program and the MPD Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, featured Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who underscored the urgency of the issue. The kNOw DV campaign, a districtwide top priority backed by the mayor, aims to raise awareness through training so that community members can recognize the signs of domestic violence and take action, ultimately leading to "No DV."
The program included presentations from a diverse group of speakers, each addressing different facets of domestic violence. Officer Randy Rogers, MPD Third District Cops and Clergy Liaison Officer, discussed the role of law enforcement, while a DC pastor shared a personal story that highlighted the human impact of abuse. A statistician from the DC Sentencing Commission provided data-driven insights, and the director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants outlined available resources. The president of The Magi Group also contributed, emphasizing the importance of specialized training seminars and workshops for clergy to spot early indicators of domestic violence and refer those affected to city resources.
Resource vendors at the event included the Court Services and Offenders Supervision Agency (CSOSA), the DC Sentencing Commission, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, The Magi Group, LLC, My Sister's Place DC, the Victim Services Branch, Volare DC, Volunteer Legal Advocates, and the Church of Scientology. Attendees were invited to visit resource tables and learn more about how these tools can help.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event. "Our office was honored to host Chief Carroll and his team and assist in the launching of the Cops and Clergy domestic violence initiative," she said. "We were excited to see many faith leaders reaching out and scheduling workshops. With all of us working together using the tools we have, we will make a difference to help address domestic violence. We look forward to our continued partnership with the police, agencies and faith leaders."
The collaboration between the Church of Scientology and the MPD reflects a broader trend of community-based solutions to social problems. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, which represents the church in the nation's capital, works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal justice reform, drug prevention education, and religious freedom domestically and internationally. This event is part of that ongoing commitment to social betterment.
Domestic violence often remains hidden, with victims feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. By equipping clergy—who are frequently trusted confidants—with the knowledge to identify warning signs and connect individuals to resources, the kNOw DV campaign seeks to break the cycle of silence and abuse. The involvement of multiple agencies and faith leaders underscores the recognition that no single entity can solve this complex issue alone. As Rev. Taylor noted, continued partnership and the use of available tools are essential to making a meaningful impact.
For more information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and its initiatives, visit https://www.scientology.org. To learn more about the MPD's Cops and Clergy program, visit https://mpdc.dc.gov.
