Domestic violence remains a persistent crisis in Washington, DC, prompting a collaborative response that brings together law enforcement, faith leaders, and community organizations. On September 10, 2026, the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office hosted the launch of the city's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, partnering with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Third District's "Cops and Clergy" program and the MPD Victim Services Branch. The event underscored a critical truth: addressing domestic violence requires a whole-village approach, and clergy are often on the front lines of identifying abuse and connecting survivors to help.
The urgency of the issue was highlighted by Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who delivered introductory remarks. His presence signaled that reducing domestic violence is a districtwide top priority, as Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration rolls out the "kNOw DV" campaign. The initiative aims to combine awareness training—so community members can "Know DV" and take steps to handle it—with the ultimate goal of achieving "No DV." The campaign's launch at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office reflects a strategic effort to engage faith-based organizations, which frequently encounter victims and can serve as trusted intermediaries.
The program featured a range of speakers who addressed the many facets of domestic violence. Officer Randy Rogers, MPD Third District Cops and Clergy Liaison Officer, outlined the program's work. A DC pastor shared a personal story, adding a human dimension to the statistics. A statistician from the DC Sentencing Commission provided data-driven insights, while the director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants and the president of The Magi Group discussed resources and strategies. Each presenter emphasized the importance of specialized training seminars and workshops designed to help clergy spot early indicators of domestic violence and refer those affected to the city's many resources.
The evening concluded with presentations from resource vendors, including 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 over coffee and dessert, learning more about specific tools and how they can help.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, expressed gratitude for the partnership. "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 implications of this initiative extend beyond a single event. By equipping clergy with the knowledge to recognize signs of abuse and connect survivors to services, the "kNOw DV" campaign seeks to create a network of early intervention that can save lives. The collaboration between the Church of Scientology, MPD, and various agencies demonstrates a model of community-based problem-solving that could be replicated in other cities. As domestic violence often remains hidden, training trusted community figures—like faith leaders—to spot indicators is a crucial step toward breaking the cycle. The campaign's success will depend on sustained commitment and widespread participation, but the launch signals a unified front against a pervasive issue. For more information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and its initiatives, visit https://www.scientology.org.
