In a collaborative effort to tackle the escalating issue of domestic violence in Washington, DC, the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office hosted a "Cops and Clergy" gathering on September 10, 2026. The event marked the launch of the city's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, a districtwide initiative spearheaded by the mayor that aims to reduce domestic violence by raising awareness and providing resources. The gathering, held in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Third District's Cops and Clergy program and the MPD Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, brought together law enforcement, clergy, and community organizations to discuss strategies for identifying and assisting 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 outlining the critical need to address domestic violence. The program featured presentations from a diverse array of speakers, including Officer Randy Rogers, the 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 highlighted different facets of domestic violence and stressed the importance of specialized training seminars and workshops to help clergy recognize early warning signs and refer those affected to the many resources available in the city.
The event also provided a platform for resource vendors to showcase their services. Organizations such as 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 set up tables to offer information and support. Attendees were invited to enjoy coffee and dessert while visiting these tables to learn more about the specific tools and assistance each organization provides.
The overarching message of the evening, encapsulated in the "kNOw DV" slogan, emphasized the urgency of training and collaboration among clergy, police, agencies, and all citizens to utilize available resources to help those affected by domestic violence. Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, expressed her honor at hosting Chief Carroll and his team and assisting in the launch of the initiative. "We were excited to see many faith leaders reaching out and scheduling workshops," she said. "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 Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, which represents the church in the nation's capital, works with numerous organizations to improve human rights, criminal justice reform, drug prevention education, and religious freedom both domestically and internationally. This event exemplifies the office's commitment to fostering community partnerships to address pressing social issues. The "kNOw DV" campaign, by combining awareness training with actionable steps, aims to transform knowledge into prevention, ultimately striving for a future with "No DV." The collaboration between law enforcement, faith leaders, and community resources signals a comprehensive approach to a complex problem, highlighting the importance of a village-wide effort to support survivors and reduce domestic violence in Washington, DC.
