Cindy Dyer

Who is Cindy Dyer?

Cindy Dyer served as the Director of the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women until January 2009. Ms. Dyer was nominated to this position by President George W. Bush on August 2, 2007 and confirmed by the United States Senate on December 19, 2007. As Director Ms. Dyer serves as the liaison between the Department of Justice and Federal, State and International governments on the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. In this role, she is responsible for handling the Department's legal and policy issues regarding the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and oversees an annual budget of almost $400 million.

Ms. Dyer is an experienced prosecutor and a recognized authority on the topic of family violence and sexual assault. Prior to her appointment she was with the Dallas County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office. 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 NorthWest Texas, and the Stephen Von Riesen Lecturer of Merit Award from the National College of District Attorneys.