foundation for victims of usury

The unit works hand-in-hand with the Foundation for the Victims of Usury in order to provide a holistic approach and support through counselling and social work to the persons seeking help from the Foundation.
The Foundation was set up in October 2000.

The aim of the Foundation is to offer help and advice to the victims of usury.

Head of Unit: Sr. Rita Zammit Pace

The service is offered at the Caritas Malta Head Office 5, Lion Street Floriana For an appointment phone the reception.

How It Works

The first contact must be established with the Foundation, or if it is done through the Parish Priest, the latter must verify whether the case is genuine and then refers it to the Foundation.

The client meets with two members of the Foundation to explain the situation

If the Foundation decides that the case is genuine and the client is willing to pay off the debt incurred (within his or her legitimate limit), the Foundation assists the client to reach an agreement of payment with the creditor/s

If it is the case, the Foundation offers legal assistance to the client. The services of a psychologist or psychiatrist or other professionals are also on offer, according to the case in hand.

The Foundation also offers support to the client's family. This is done through the intervention of the parish community or other entities or person/s that could be of support to the client.
If it is the case, the Foundation, after gaining the consent of the client, can refer the client to other voluntary organisations that are involved with other social concerns like drug abuse, gambling or prostitution.

The Foundation does not engage in the following:

• Money lending
• Subsidies
• Persist in helping whoever is not willing to stop borrowing (illegally)

The Foundation is under no illusion that it can solve all the problems connected with usury, but it strives to continue offering help to individuals and their families, the victims of usury, to confront the problem and where possible, start afresh.

What It Does Against Usury

• Listens to persons who have this problem and finds ways on how to help them
• Asks for and expects the assistance of the Church, the Government and other institutions and associations.
• Offers legal and financial consultation to those who ask for help
• Empowers the victim of usury to start afresh
• Strives to create awareness about usury through educational campaigns of information and the building of a culture of solidarity within the community
• Lobbies for more protection than at present to those persons who fall in the trap of usury