Domestic violence remains a critical issue in Washington, DC, prompting a collaborative response from law enforcement, faith leaders, 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, Criminal Investigations Division. The event marked the launch of the city's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, a districtwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and providing resources to identify and assist survivors of domestic violence.
The urgency of the issue was underscored by the presence of MPD Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who delivered introductory remarks. The program featured a range 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 presenter addressed different facets of domestic violence and emphasized the importance of specialized training seminars and workshops to help clergy recognize early indicators and refer those affected to city resources.
The "kNOw DV" campaign, a top priority for the mayor, combines awareness training so that individuals can "Know DV" and take steps to handle it, ultimately leading to "No DV." The event concluded with short 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 enjoy coffee and dessert while visiting resource tables to learn more about available tools and how to access them.
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 MPD, clergy, and community organizations highlights a "whole village" approach to tackling domestic violence. By equipping faith leaders with the knowledge to spot early warning signs and connect survivors with resources, the initiative aims to create a safer environment for all residents. 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 exemplifies their commitment to addressing pressing social issues through partnership and education.
For more information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, visit https://www.scientology.org. To learn more about the MPD's Victim Services Branch, visit https://mpdc.dc.gov.
