Justice Department Announces Appointment of Cindy Dyer as Director for the Office of Violence Against Women

January 8, 2008 |
Valor

From OVW Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cindy Dyer was confirmed as Director for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), the Department of Justice announced. Ms. Dyer was nominated to this position by President George W. Bush on Aug. 2, 2007 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 19, 2007. Prior to her appointment she was with the Dallas County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Dyer is an experienced prosecutor and a recognized authority on the topic of family violence and sexual assault. She was the first prosecutor to join the Family Violence Division during its inception in 1994 and became the Chief Prosecutor of that division in 1998.

She has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to victims, including the Henry Wade Prosecutor of the Year award from the Greater Dallas Crime Commission, the Equal Justice Award from the Legal Services of North West Texas, and the Stephen Von Riesen Lecturer of Merit Award from the National College of District Attorneys.
As an active member of her community in Dallas, she has served on the board of the Texas Council on Family Violence, assisted in proposing and drafting legislation to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and served as a volunteer for local organizations, including a non-profit women’s shelter. Ms. Dyer graduated from Texas A&M University and Baylor University Law School.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, provides national leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation.
Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing 12 federal grant programs, OVW often undertakes a number of initiatives in response to areas of special need, dedicating resources to develop enhancements in areas requiring particular attention or in communities facing particularly acute challenges. More information is available at www.ovw.usdoj.gov.