Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in Washington, DC, prompting a collaborative response that brings together law enforcement, clergy, and community organizations. On September 10, 2026, the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office hosted a "Cops and Clergy" gathering in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and its Victim Services Branch to launch the city's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign. The initiative, a districtwide top priority, seeks to reduce domestic violence by training clergy and community members to recognize early indicators and connect survivors with resources.
The event featured Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who underscored the urgency of addressing domestic violence. Presentations came from 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 highlighted the need for specialized training seminars and workshops to help clergy spot signs of abuse and refer individuals to city resources.
The "kNOw DV" campaign combines awareness training to "Know DV" so steps can be taken to handle it, leading to "No DV." This approach reflects a growing recognition that domestic violence cannot be tackled by police alone; it requires a whole-village effort involving faith leaders, social services, and the community. By equipping clergy with the tools to identify and respond to domestic violence, the initiative aims to intervene earlier and provide survivors with the support they need.
Resource vendors at the event 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 available tools. The presence of such diverse organizations highlights the multifaceted nature of domestic violence and the need for coordinated responses.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director, 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 implications of this initiative extend beyond immediate intervention. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement and clergy, the campaign seeks to build trust and improve communication between communities and police. This is particularly important in marginalized communities where distrust of law enforcement may deter survivors from seeking help. Training clergy to recognize domestic violence can also help overcome cultural and religious barriers that might prevent victims from reporting abuse.
Moreover, the "kNOw DV" campaign aligns with broader efforts to reform criminal justice and improve human rights. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, which represents the church in the nation's capital, works with many organizations to advance these causes. The partnership with MPD and other agencies demonstrates a commitment to addressing social issues through education and collaboration.
As domestic violence continues to affect individuals and families across Washington, DC, the "kNOw DV" campaign represents a proactive step toward creating a safer community. By leveraging the influence of faith leaders and the reach of community organizations, the initiative aims to empower more people to recognize and respond to domestic violence. The success of this program could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
For more information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and its initiatives, visit https://www.scientology.org/.
