Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects communities nationwide, and Washington, D.C., is taking a significant step to address it by launching the "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign. This initiative, a districtwide top priority, aims to reduce domestic violence through awareness training and collaborative efforts between law enforcement, clergy, and community organizations. The campaign's launch event, hosted by the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, underscored the importance of a village approach to tackling this complex problem.
The event, held in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Third District "Cops and Clergy" program and the MPD Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders. Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll delivered introductory remarks, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. Presentations followed 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 addressed various facets of domestic violence and highlighted the critical role of training seminars and workshops for clergy to spot early indicators and refer survivors to resources.
The program 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 visit resource tables to learn more about available tools and services.
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 "kNOw DV" campaign represents a proactive approach to a longstanding problem. By combining the reach of faith communities with the authority and resources of law enforcement and social services, the initiative seeks to create a network of support for survivors and those at risk. The emphasis on training clergy to recognize signs of domestic violence is particularly noteworthy, as religious leaders often have trusted relationships with families and can serve as early interveners. The collaboration also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding domestic violence, encouraging victims to seek help.
This initiative matters because domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics, and effective solutions require coordinated community responses. The launch event demonstrates a commitment to leveraging diverse resources and expertise to address the issue. As the campaign rolls out, its success will depend on sustained engagement from all sectors and the willingness of survivors to utilize available services. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, which works on human rights, criminal justice reform, drug prevention education, and religious freedom, continues to support such community-building efforts. For more information about the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, visit https://www.scientology.org.
