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.

To this end the Legislature intends to provide a means whereby victims of violent crime and their dependents may be provided compensation in the amount of actual expenses incurred as a direct result of criminal acts of other persons.

The provisions of this article are to be construed so as to accomplish this purpose and to promote the same which is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state.