About A PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER

“This is a story about how I was saved by love at a time when most people considered me beyond rescue,” begins Victor Rivas Rivers in this powerful chronicle of how he escaped the war zone of family violence -– too often regarded as a “private family matter” -– and went on to become a good man, a film star, and prominent activist.

The Cuban-born author starts by recalling when he was kidnapped, along with three of his siblings, by his own father, who abandoned his pregnant wife before taking the children on a cross-country hell-ride that nearly ended in a fatal collision. This journey of survival portrays with riveting detail how, instead of becoming a madman like his father, Victor wassaved by a band of mortal angels. Miraculously, seven families stepped forward, along with teachers and coaches, to empower him on his road from gang member to class president, through harrowing and hilarious football adventures at Florida State and with the Miami Dolphins, to overcoming the Hollywood odds, and to becoming a champion for all those impacted bydomestic violence.

Though at times Victor’s odyssey is heartbreaking and disturbing, A Private Family Matter is ultimately a triumphant testament to humanity, courage and love. Profound and poignant, it is a compelling memoir with a cause. As Victor Rivers writes, his way of thanking all the angels and advocates who tried to make a difference in his life, is by trying to make a difference in all of ours.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

I know the terror, dread, bruises, inescapability, and madness of [Victor Rivas Rivers's] violent childhood. It was my childhood. Now, I know Victor... brave, honest, brilliant and good. This book... urges every one of us to break the deadening and debilitating silence by telling our stories. - Eve Ensler

Read his book...I am very proud of him, as I know all of his former coaches and teammates are. - Bobby Bowden, Head Coach FSU Football program

Victor Rivers has helped Lifetime Television spread the word about the importance of women and men working together to stop the violence. - Meredith Wagner, Executive Vice President, Lifetime Television

A story filled with integrity, courage, and humanity -- all the things that exemplify Mr. Rivers. The journey makes the man. Thank you for sharing this with us. - Andy Garcia

Grippingly powerful and moving...[this] true story of how a child was raised by a village of some caring, courageous individuals... inspires us all... Masterfully written. - Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas