Idaho Code § 72-1002: Legislative purpose and intent.

The legislature hereby finds, determines and declares that victims of violent crime are often reduced to bereft and destitute circumstances as a result of the criminal acts perpetrated against them, that the financial or economic resources of such victims and their dependents are in many instances distressed or depleted as a result of injuries inflicted upon them by violent criminals.

That the general social and economic welfare of such victims and their dependents is and ought to be intimately affected with the public interest, that the deplorable plight of these unfortunate citizens should not go unnoticed by our institutions and agencies of government.

The legislature hereby further finds, determines and declares that it is to the benefit of all that victims of violence and their dependents be assisted financially and socially whenever possible.

It is the intent of the legislature of this state to provide a method of compensating and assisting those persons within the state who are innocent victims of criminal acts and who suffer injury or death. To this end, it is the legislature’s intention to provide compensation for injuries suffered as a direct result of the criminal acts of other persons.