The General Assembly hereby declares that it serves a public purpose and is of benefit to the state to indemnify those needy persons who are innocent victims of criminal acts and who suffer bodily or psychological injury or death as a consequence thereof. Such persons or their dependents may thereby suffer disability, incur financial hardships and become dependent upon public assistance. To that end, it is the General Assembly's intent that aid, care, and support be provided by the state, as a matter of grace, for such victims of crime.
KRS 49.270