Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden, but a new collaborative effort in Washington, DC, is bringing it into the light. The Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Washington clergy have joined forces to provide resources and training to identify indicators and help survivors of domestic violence. This initiative, launched at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, is part of the mayor's districtwide 'kNOw DV' (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, which aims to reduce domestic violence by raising awareness and equipping community leaders with tools to take action.
The event, hosted in partnership with the Third Police District's 'Cops and Clergy' program and the Police Department's Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, featured Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who emphasized the urgency of addressing domestic violence. Presentations from Officer Randy Rogers, a DC pastor sharing 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 highlighted various facets of the issue. They stressed the importance of special training seminars and workshops to help clergy spot early indicators of domestic violence and refer those affected to city resources.
The program concluded with short presentations from resource vendors, including 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 to learn more about available tools. Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, expressed honor in hosting the event and excitement over the many faith leaders scheduling workshops. 'With all of us working together using the tools we have, we will make a difference to help address domestic violence,' she said.
This initiative matters because domestic violence affects countless individuals and families, and traditional law enforcement responses alone are insufficient. By engaging clergy, who often have deep trust within communities, the campaign creates a network of informed advocates who can intervene early and connect survivors with services. The collaboration between police, faith leaders, and social service agencies represents a holistic approach to a complex problem. The 'kNOw DV' campaign not only raises awareness but also provides concrete training and resources, potentially saving lives and breaking cycles of abuse. As the nation's capital tackles this issue head-on, it sets an example for other cities to follow, demonstrating that community-wide partnerships are essential to effectively address domestic violence. 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. For more information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, visit https://www.scientology.org.
