Office to Combat Domestic Violence

Yolanda B. Jimenez Commissioner Yolanda B. Jimenez has devoted more than 30 years to public service in New York City. In January 2002, she was appointed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as the first Commissioner of the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence. Commissioner Jimenez is responsible for the implementation of comprehensive policies and programs that reduce domestic violence, hold batterers accountable, and increase public awareness. Over the last ten years, she has spearheaded the development of City-wide domestic violence strategies that integrate the services provided by various City agencies and hundreds of nonprofit community-based organizations. During her tenure, Commissioner Jimenez, through a public/private partnership, has opened three New York City Family Justice Centers. These centers have transformed the City's delivery of domestic violence services. Victims of domestic violence can now access criminal justice, civil legal, and social services in one central location. To date, they have assisted over 80,000 clients and 16,000 children through over 191,000 visits; all while meeting clients' linguistic and cultural needs. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Jimenez served as Deputy Commissioner for Community Affairs for 14 years with the New York City Police Department. She initiated a number of crime prevention policies and programs aimed at fostering relations between the police and New York City's various communities, including the Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect strategy. Commissioner Jimenez began a career of public service at the Office of the Mayor and the New York City Fire Department after graduating with honors from Queens College, where she received both her B.A and M.A. in Political Science/Public Administration. She is also a graduate of the Police Management Institute Program at Columbia University.