In November 2001, New York City residents voted to amend the City Charter to establish a permanent office that would comprehensively address issues of domestic violence. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg appointed Yolanda B. Jimenez as the first commissioner to head the new office, which is one of only a few government offices in the United States focused solely on the issue of domestic violence.

The Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence (OCDV) formulates policies and programs, monitors the Citywide delivery of domestic violence services, and works with diverse communities to increase awareness of domestic violence. OCDV works closely with community leaders, health care providers, City agencies, and representatives from the criminal justice system to hold batterers accountable and to create solutions that are critical to preventing domestic violence in New York City.