BEIJING - Chinese courts nationwide have helped 12,978 victims of crime between 2009 and 2011, according to a spokesman of the Supreme People's Court (SPC).

More than 233.77 million yuan ($36.87 million) in relief fund has been given to victims or their family members, the SPC spokesman Sun Jungong said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Damages caused by criminal offenses are generally compensated by offenders. However, the courts as well as other judicial and governmental agencies grant some relief to cover living expenses and medical fees of victims and their families. Money is also used to help victims during cases where suspects are still at large or where defendants are insolvent to pay compensation.