Domestic violence remains a critical issue in Washington, DC, prompting a collaborative effort between law enforcement and faith leaders. On September 10, 2026, the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office hosted a gathering of the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), MPD Victim Services, clergy, and other stakeholders to address the rise in domestic violence. The event marked the launch of the city's 'kNOw DV' (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, a districtwide initiative combining awareness training and action to reduce domestic violence.
The 'kNOw DV' campaign, a top priority for the mayor, aims to educate the public on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and taking steps to prevent it. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office partnered with the Third Police District's 'Cops and Clergy' program and the MPD's Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, to host the launch. Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll delivered introductory remarks, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
The program featured presentations from a diverse group of speakers, including Officer Randy Rogers, MPD Third District Cops and Clergy Liaison Officer; a DC pastor who shared a personal story; a statistician from the DC Sentencing Commission; the director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants; and the president of The Magi Group. Each speaker addressed various aspects of domestic violence and emphasized the importance of specialized training seminars and workshops to help clergy spot early indicators and refer those affected to city resources.
Resource vendors provided information on services available to survivors. These included the Court Services and Offenders Supervision Agency (CSOSA), DC Sentencing Commission, Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, The Magi Group, LLC, My Sister's Place DC, 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.
The message throughout the event, to 'kNOw DV' (Know Domestic Violence), stressed the urgency of training and collaboration between clergy, police, agencies, and all citizens to use available resources to help those affected by domestic violence.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, said, 'Our office was honored to host Chief Carroll and his team and assist in the launching of the Cops and Clergy domestic violence initiative. 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 Church of Scientology National Affairs Office represents the church in the nation's capital and works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal justice reform, drug prevention education, and religious freedom domestically and internationally. This initiative exemplifies the office's commitment to community collaboration and social betterment. For more information on the Church of Scientology's social programs, visit https://www.scientology.org.
The 'Cops and Clergy' event highlights the importance of a holistic approach to tackling domestic violence. By bringing together law enforcement, faith leaders, and community resources, the initiative aims to create a network of support for survivors and prevent future incidents. The launch of the 'kNOw DV' campaign signals a renewed commitment to addressing this pervasive issue in Washington, DC, and serves as a model for other cities. The collaboration between the Church of Scientology, MPD, and clergy demonstrates the power of partnership in creating safer communities. As the campaign gains momentum, it is expected to increase awareness, improve response, and ultimately reduce domestic violence in the district.
