N.Y. Executive Law § 620: Declaration of policy and legislative intent

§ 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.