IOVA has four main purposes:

• To promote national and international public policy change on victim issues.
• To provide international training, technical assistance and education on victimization and victim justice.
• To provide international services to victims of crime and traumatic events.
• To promote international awareness about the plight of victims and survivors.

As a part of a global community, citizens of the world have a responsibility to prevent and mitigate the effects of crime, abuse of power, terrorism, accidents and natural disasters.

Therefore the International Organization for Victim Assistance endorses the following ten principles.

1. Protection
   1. A society which attempts to prevent catastrophic events.
   2. A response system which minimizes further harm to victims.
   3. Trained responders.
   4. Special attention to vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly and ethnic or cultural minorities.
   5. Protection in investigative and judicial processes.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality
   1. Privacy from the media unless they voluntarily choose to make their situation public
   2. Privacy from needless intrusions from health and mental health professionals
   3. Confidential communications with caregivers and to be informed of disclosure requirements
3. Information
   1. Accurate and expeditious information about rights, reparations, and any potential involvement in the justice system
   2. Education about the judicial process
   3. Ongoing communications about the status of their case if an alleged crime or abuse of power is involved
   4. Copies of health and mental health records, diagnosis and prognosis
4. Support for Health and Primary Needs
   1. Care for physical needs such as medical attention, food, water, shelter and hygiene
   2. Be the decision maker in their health care or designating the person to make such decisions
   3. Mental health care
5. Counseling and Advocacy Services
   1. Crisis intervention immediately after a crime or other catastrophes
   2. Post-trauma counseling and mental health services based on victim needs
   3. Advocacy within systems of justice, health and mental health, education, employment and other services as needed
   4. Service providers prepared to make appropriate and effective referrals based on victim needs
   5. Legal assistance
6. Standing and Legal Representation
   1. Standing in any proceeding where their personal interests are affected
   2. Initiate prosecution of an alleged offender
   3. Free legal representation in judicial proceedings
   4. Be present and heard at every critical stage of criminal justice proceedings
   5. A voice in any discussion of rights to reparations
7. Restorative Justice
   1. Choose, whether they will participate in restorative or standard justice where relevant
   2. Be included in any alternative justice system on an informed and voluntary basis
   3. The community should be involved in any efforts at reconciliation or discussions of reparations
   4. The center of the justice process
8. Equal Due Process
   1. Avoid delays in proceedings
   2. Appeal
   3. Jury trial or community based hearing in jurisdictions using them
   4. Support at least equal to that provided to the defendant
9. Reparations
   1. Restitution from the offender and it's enforcement
   2. Restitutions from countries involved in cases of massive violence, abuse of power, or reckless negligence
   3. Compensation from the state [or other entity] if they suffered significant bodily injury or impairment of physical or mental health and restitution is not otherwise available
10. Dignity and Compassion
    1. Protection from discrimination in justice processes and social services
    2. Caring and sensitive treatment by individuals who are trained in responding to trauma and victimization
    3. Responders and service providers who respect cultural difference