Compensation is paid from the Victims of Crime Fund. The fund includes money provided by Parliament, a proportion of fines paid by offenders, confiscated proceeds of crime, and a levy imposed on convictions and on expiation of offences (payment of on-the-spot-fines).

The scheme intends that, where possible, offenders should pay for the harm they have done. Accordingly, the Attorney-General can claim back from the offender compensation paid to victims from the Fund. This is why, if the offender’s identity is known, he or she must usually be notified of any claim for compensation, and has the right to take part in the court case. Money recovered from the offender is paid into the fund.