New York Consolidated Laws, Executive Law - EXC § 620. Declaration of policy and legislative intent

The legislature recognizes that many innocent persons suffer personal physical injury or death as a result of criminal acts.  Such persons or their dependents may thereby suffer disability, incur financial hardships, or become dependent upon public assistance.  The legislature finds and determines that there is a need for government financial assistance for such victims of crime.  Accordingly, it is the legislature's intent that aid, care and support be provided by the state, as a matter of grace, for such victims of crime.