Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across all communities, but a new collaborative effort in Washington, DC, aims to address it through a whole-village approach. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office recently hosted the launch of the city's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign, bringing together the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), clergy, and various agencies to provide resources and training to identify indicators and help survivors. This initiative is significant because it represents a unified front against a crime that often remains hidden, emphasizing that ending domestic violence requires the active participation of every sector of society.
The event, held in partnership with the Third Police District's longstanding "Cops and Clergy" program and the MPD's Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division, featured introductory remarks by Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, who underscored the urgency of the issue. The mayor has made reducing domestic violence a districtwide top priority, and the "kNOw DV" campaign combines awareness training to "know DV" so steps can be taken to handle it, ultimately leading to "No DV." This approach is critical because it shifts the focus from reaction to prevention, equipping community leaders with the tools to spot early warning signs and intervene effectively.
The program included presentations from a diverse group of experts, including Officer Randy Rogers, MPD Third District Cops and Clergy Liaison Officer; a DC pastor who shared his 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 different facets of domestic violence and stressed the importance of attending special training seminars and workshops designed to help clergy recognize early indicators and refer those affected to the many resources available in the city. This training is vital because clergy often have close relationships with families and can serve as trusted points of contact for victims who might not otherwise seek help.
The evening 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 then invited for coffee and dessert and to visit the resource tables to learn more about specifics and how these tools can be of help. The presence of so many organizations highlights the breadth of support available and the importance of collaboration in addressing a complex issue like domestic violence.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, expressed her 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 Church of Scientology National Affairs Office represents the church in the nation's capital and works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal justice reform, drug prevention education, and religious freedom domestically and internationally. This event exemplifies the church's commitment to community betterment and its belief in the power of collaboration to solve social problems. The "kNOw DV" campaign's success will depend on sustained efforts from all participants, but the launch marks a promising step toward reducing domestic violence in Washington, DC.
