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With domestic violence incidents in the nation's capital increasing in number and severity, including several homicides, the religious community is working with police to help faith leaders face this challenging issue



WASHINGTON, DC, September 10, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Realizing that it takes a whole village approach, the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Washington clergy are working together to provide resources and training to identify indicators and help for survivors of domestic violence.

Reducing domestic violence (DV) is a districtwide top priority, and the mayor is rolling out Washington DC's "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence) campaign. This combines awareness training to "Know DV" so steps can be taken to handle it, leading to "No DV." The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office hosted the launch of this initiative at their office in partnership with the Third Police District's longstanding "Cops and Clergy" program and the Police Department's Victim Services Branch, Criminal Investigations Division.

The event featured Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department's Interim Chief of Police, Chief Jeffery W. Carroll, who gave the introductory remarks outlining the urgency and importance of addressing domestic violence.

The program also included presentations from Officer Randy Rogers, MPD Third District Cops and Clergy Liaison Officer; a DC pastor sharing his personal story; a statistician from DC Sentencing Commission; the director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants; and the president of The Magi Group. Each presenter addressed many facets of the issue and emphasized the importance of attending special training seminars and workshops geared to help clergy spot early indicators of domestic violence and refer those affected to the many resources in the city.

The evening 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. All 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 message throughout the event, to "kNOw DV" (Know Domestic Violence), stressed the urgency and importance of training and collaboration between the clergy, police, agencies and all citizens to use the resources available to everyone to help those affected by domestic violence.

Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director, Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, said, "Our office was honored to host Chief Carroll and his team and assist in the launching of the Cops and Clergy domestic violence initiative. 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.

Read the original story here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/538445/church-of-scientology-hosts-cops-and-clergy-gathering-with-washington-dc-metropolitan-police-department-mpd-victim-services-clergy-and-others-to-address-rise-in-domestic-violence

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